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LIKINS 



SIX YEARS 
EXPERIENCE 

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I? LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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SIX YEARS EXPEIUENCE 

AS A 

' BOOK AGENT 




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I 
C% My Trip from New York to San Francisco via Nicaragua. £ 



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ftsBy MRS. J. W. LIKINS 



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Women's Print, 4'24 Montg'y St, S. l<\ 



SIX YEAliS EXrElUENCE 



BOOK AGENl^ 



IN CALIFORNIA, 



My Trip from New York to San Francisco via Nlcaragna, 



By MRS. J. W. LIKINS, 



'6: t 



SAN FRANCLS(X) : 

WoMKN's Union Book aud Job PRrNTiNG Office, 421 Montcjomkry Strukt. 
1874. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year eightoen hundred and seTenty-four, 

By MRS. J. VV. LIKINS. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congres?, at Washington. 



PREFACE. 



Unlike most authors, who dedicate their books to some 
dead or absent friend, or dear relative, I will dedicate this 
work to my creditors, hoping that my friends and readers 
may be amused and benefited sufficiently to compensate 
them for their time and trouble in its perusal; while 
at the same time I hope to be benefited by the sale of the 
work sufficiently to satisfy all demands of my creditors, 
and have a few almighty dollars left, for my time and 
labor, as well as expense, in bringing it before the public. 

It is not my intention to discuss the merits of this work 
in the few prefatory remarks I shall make, but wdll leave 
it to a generous public to decide; and sincerely hope those 
who have patronized me as a book agent, will not fail me 
now, since I have turned authoress. 

THE AUTHOli. 
San Francisco, 1874. 



SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

AS A BOOK AGENT 



IN CALIFORNIA. 



CHAPTER 1. 
From New York to Grey town. 



Akron, Summit Co., Ohio, March 26tli, 1868. 
No. 225 South Summit street. 

All is bustle and confusion. We are making prep- 
arations to move; for we have sold our house, and 
must give possession by the first of April. 

When I look around the grounds, although every 
thing is covered with a slight fall of snow, I think 
how many happy hours I have spent in planting flowers 
and training vines. 

Now I must leave them all, with their pleasant 
memories. There, too, is the grape arbor, where my 
husband, children and I have spent so many pleasant 
moments. Also, the four large maples, outside the 
gate. They are very dear to me; for the one that 
planted them sleeps in an unknown grave on the 
battlefield of the Wilderness. 

The neat iron gate, where Jack, the watch-dog, dur- 
ing the hot summer afternoons would wo it for the 
return of my little girl from school, to take him down 
to the canal for a bath, which was three blocks away. 



6 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

He now stands looking up in my face, as though he, 
too, knew we must part. 

But I must cheer up; for I see my husband coming, 
pale, and nearly tired out; witli him is my dear friend 
and neighbor, Mrs. F. She said, " I have almost per- 
suaded Mr. L. to go to CaUfornia with us; that is, if I 
can ge.t your consent. The sea voynge will do you all 
good; and the climate is so fine you would like it, and 
have better health, I am sure. Wliat do you say, Mrs. 
L. ?" I replied, " If it is as you say, I would not mind 
going. Any place, but to Tennessee. I am not afraid 
on my account, but you know Mr. L. is such a strong 
republican, and tlie feeling against them hasn't died 
out yet in the South; they might mob him. Any- 
how, he wouldn't do well in business there. Of course^ 
I would just as lief go to California, for we are broken 
up here; ai least, there won't be much left when our 
debts are paid." 

At this she seemed very much surprised, and said, 
" Why, I thouglit you were worth thousands." " No, 
indeed," I replied, " not now. I would not have sold 
my home if there was any help for it, but I wish to 
pay my just and honest debts and go among strangers; 
for we will have to make a new beginning." 

Turning to Mr. L , I said, " Will you go ?'' 

He replied, '' I would like to, but can we get ready ?" 

"Yes, of course we can; it is five days until Mrs. F. 
and her husband leave here for New York. We will 
unpack our furniture, sell what we can at private sale, 
and the rest at auction." 

'• All right — we will go." 

Mrs. F. left, very much delighted, to tell her hus- 
band. 

For the next five days I had no time scarcely to 
think. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 7 

Neighbors callinf^ and offering their assistance; buy- 
ing some little nicknacks they knew I prized, saying 
they would keep them for remembrance. 

By the 31st, all our household furniture was dis- 
posed of in some way. We spent the night with a 
friend of ours. The next day my friend, with the as- 
sistance of Maria, a girl I had in my employ, prepared 
lunch enough to last us until we arrived in New York. 
I must here say, I hated to part with Maria, as she 
had been in my employ for over a year, and had proved 
herself kind and faithful to me in sickness and health. 
I would have liked very much to have taken her with 
me, as she was a poor, homeless creature. 

The hack called in the afternoon to convey us to 
the depot. After our trunks are strapped on, the satch- 
els stowed away, and last, but not least, the lunch 
basket, we bid good bye to poor old Jack, whom my 
little girl had given to our friend's son, who had 
promised to take good care of him. 

Arriving at the depot, we found many friends 
awaiting to see us off. Among them was an old gen- 
tleman, who had been in California in '49. In de- 
scribing the place to me, how rough and uncivilized 
the people were there^ he almost discouraged me. 

Mr. F. and wife got to the depot just as the train 
came up. 

With many tears we bid our friends good bye, for 
years and perhaps forever. Who knows? 

We had not traveled very far, when F. very jovially 
said, " Mrs. L. and my wife's noses are ns red as though 
they had been on a spree for a month," at which wo 
laughed through our tears. 

We pass many towns and villages; at one of the 



8. SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

Stations a young gentleman who used to board with 
me came into the car to bid us good bye. 

I now had time for reflection. I thought of the 
strange country we were going to, and of the strange 
faces we would see. My little girl, for a time, seemed 
to feel as badly as any of us; but, like all children, she 
soon forgot her trouble in the new scenes around 
her. 

When the cars stopped for the passengers to take 
supper, we spread our cold lunch on the seat, which 
served as table, while Mr. F. took cups out, and soon 
came back with some nice hot coffte. 

This style of eating was somewhat new to me. I 
must confess I rather liked it. But now my whole 
life must change. After the remains of the lunch 
were stowed awa}^, and chatting for some time, we 
commence making arrangements for sleeping. I, for 
the first time, tried to make beds out of seats in a rail- 
road car. Turning two seats facing each other, spread- 
ing blankets and folding shawls for pillows, I pack 
away my husband and child. 

Rolling myself in a shawl, I soon fell asleep. 

We were all awakened in the middle of the night b}' 
my husband laughing loudly. He lay with his heels on 
one seat, his head was on another, while he liad a seat 
on the floor. He was so convulsed with laughter, that 
it was sometime before he could get strength enough 
to get up. After this, we slept very little. 

Nothing of importance occurred until we reached 
S , where we left the Atlantic and Great West- 
ern Rail Road for the New York and Erie. Now, for 
the first time, I began to realize what a trouble our 
bundles and satchels were. Here we all had quite a 
scare. In my hurry to get everything on the train, I 



AS A BOOK AGENT. \) 

dropped a t^hawl under the car.<; as I wns trying to get 
it the cars started, and had it not been for a gentleman 
pulling me out, 1 should have been crushed to death. 
At last we are safely seated, and are off again. I 
could not help but laughing, whenever I thought liow 
awkward I must have appeared when the gentleman 
pulled me out, for I had dropped my hat, and my 
water-proof cloak was partially off. 

It was half-past four when the train stopped at Jer- 
sey City. Messrs. L. and F. left us in the ladies' sit- 
ting-room with the baggage, while they went across to 
New York to purchase the tickets and engage the state- 
rooms, supposing we could go aboard the steamship 
that night, as it was advertised to sail next day. 

At the steamship office they were told that the reg- 
ular boat on the opposition line had proved, at the 
last minute, not seaworthy. In consequence, another 
one had to be repaired, and could not sail tor several 
days. 

They, however, purchased the tickets, but could not 
go on board to get staterooms until next morning, as 
the ship was anchored out in the East River. 

Mrs. F. and I, waiting for them in Jersey City, 
thought they would never come; woman-like, we 
imagined that all sorts of things had befallen them. 

We did not dare to leave the baggage to go and look 
for them, so we would each take all we could carry 
and stand outside waiting. 

I guess, from the way people stared at us, they 
thought we ivere trying to emigrate to some place, but 
we did not know exactly where to. 

The men came at last. To our inquiry as to what 
kept them so long, was, they had been trying to find 
cheap lodgings. 



10 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

When we got to the phice, I did not wonder at their 
staying so long, because it seemed to me as though we 
had been two hours coming over from Jersey City. 

Everything about the hou=.e had the appearance of a 
third chiss hotel, even to the landlord and landlady. 

The latter was a little dirty, dried-up old woman, 
looking more like a witch than anything I know of, 
while the former was a tall, raw-boned, rough fellow, 
and looked as though ho had whiskey enough aboard 
to commit almost any crime. 

The landlady showed us several rooms, out of which 
we chose one in tlie third story, with four beds in it, 
because we all wanted to be in one room, as we did 
not like the looks of the people that were around. 

After putting our baggage into the room, we de- 
scended to the dining-room. The supper that was set 
before us was filthy in the extreme. 

There was a plate of dried apples for dessert that 
looked ns though the flies had roosted on them every 
night for a week, and brought to my mind some poetry 
I once knew: 

The farmer takes his gnarliest fruit, 
'Tis wormy, bitter, and hard, to boot; 
They leave the hulls to make us cough, 
And don"t half take the i^eelings off. 
Then on a dirty cord they're strung, 
And from some chamber-window hung; 
There they serve a roost for flies, 
Until they're ready to make the pies. 

I arose from the table, having ate but a few mouth- 
fuls; went to the room and devoured the remainder of 
the lunch we had not disposed of. 

The first thing the gentlemen did next morning was 
to start out and procure new lodgings. They soon re- 
turned, saying they had found two nice rooms over a 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 11 

restaurant, where we could eat our meals. In a very 
short lime we took poss'jssion of our rooms, and found 
them pleasant and comfortable. After part^iking of a 
nice breakfast, we went out in a small tug-boat to tne 
"Guiding Star,"' the steamer we were to sail in. 

Although I had traveled a great deal on steamboats, 
this is the (Irst time I was ever inside of a steamship. 
1 thought t/ien it was a beauiiful ship, and very hand- 
somely furnished; but since then, 1 liave seen others 
far superior. On board everything was neat and clean. 
There were but few staterooms in the first cabin 
that were not taken. Not knowing anything about 
the motion of the ship thc-n, wo engaged one with a 
single and double berth in the stern end of the vessel. 

After we had mai.le all necessary arrangements, we 
went ashore and spent several days looking at the 
sights around the City. On the morning of the 6th 
of April, bright and early, we were on board the '' Guid- 
ing Star," watching the passengers as they came aboard. 
In the afternoon the vessel went as far as the mouth 
of the river, where it remained all night, the fog be- 
ing so thick the captain was afraid to venture out to 
sea until next moiniug. 

On the 7th I was awakened by the motion of tlie 
ship, for slie pitched terribly. Dressing myself and 
little girl, we went into the ladies" cabin to await my 
husband, as the stateroom was too small for three to 
dress in at the same time. In a few minutes he came 
out, looking very much refreshed by his night's rest. 
We all ascended to the deck. 

I, for the first time, stood on deck of a steamship. 
The scene looked grand to me. In the distance, the land 
fading from view, while, in another direction, as far as 
the eye could see, was spread the broad Atlantic, with 



12 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

its waves rolling, sending up the spray until it glittered 
in the morning sun. 

I have visited many watering places; on its shores, 
from some elevated point, watched the rising snn as it 
sent its rays o'er hill and ocean; even the pale moon, 
with its mellow light. I have bathed in its surf, and 
viewed it from the tall lighthouse; still it never seemed 
half so grand to me as now. 

I cannot express my feelings with words or pen, for 
the scene was both beautiful and sad. I was startled 
from my reverie by hearing a ptcidiar noise. I saw a 
gentleman leaning over the railing, looking very much 
as though he was drunk, and trying to heave up Jonah, 
or something else. Just then, my little girl staggered 
up to me, saying, " Oh mamma, f am sc sick." I hurried 
her down stairs to the stateroom as quick as possible, 
where she made free use of the tin-pans fastened on 
to the side of the berth. Afterward she seemed to 
feel much better. Bidding her lie still, I went in 
search of my husband. I found him at the foot of the 
stairs, trying to hold up one of the beams. When he 
saw me he said, " I wish they would hurry about 
breakfast; I think I should feel better if I had a cup 
of strong coffee." 

The gong soon sounded, and we took our seats at 
the table. Alihough it was nine o'clock, there were 
but few at the table. 1 suppose some of them were in 
their berths, trying to play drunk. Mr. L. ordered 
coffee, but before the waiter returned, he started for 
the stateroom, walking like a blind horse, stepping 
very high, as though he thought the floor would come 
up and strike him in the face. I followed him to the 
stateroom, where he crawled into the upper berth, as 
my child was still in the lower one. 



AS A BOOK AGENT, 1 3 

He also made good use of tlio tin-pan, spattering it 
all around. I felt sorry for tlioni, but could not help 
smiling at the scone. Looking up, I saw Mr. F. stand- 
ing in the open doorway, nearly bursting with laughter. 

Upon inquiring for Mrs. F., he said she was in the 
same lix, and wanted to see me. I found her very sick, 
and tried to cheer her, b}^ telling her what ahe told me, 
before we started, that sea sickness was good for a per- 
sons health, and would propably be beneficial to her; 
also told her, if there was anything I could do to as- 
sist, I would. 

Thanking mc, she said she only wanted to see if I 
was sick. For two days, my liusband and child were 
very sick. On the third, they were a little better, but 
still could not sit up. Mr. L. being very weak, I was 
somewhat uneasy about him. 

The stewardess told me they would neuer get any 
better until they went on deck. I started, determined 
to find some one to help me to get them there. 

I found Mr. F. and wife, the hitter having ventured 
on deck for the first lime since she was taken sick. 
In answer to my inquiry as to her health, said she 
felt much better since she came out and walked around. 
I told Mr. F. I had come in search of some one to as- 
sist me in getting my folks out. 

He said, '' Where are his brother Odd- Fellows and 
Masons, why don't you call on them. You are always 
bragging about their kiu'lness in sickness." '" Yes, and 
I brag about them still. I shall hnd some of them. 
and ask for assistance," '' All right," he said " I'll 
watch the proceedings" 

I was now augiy auil hurt; I li.id not e.x;[)ected that 
from him, 1 turned to look for some one who wore 
an emblem. 



14 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

For the first time since I had joined tlie Rebecca 
Lodge, fifteen years ago, did I need to make myself 
known. 

At a distance, seated with some companions, was a 
man, 1 will not call hiui a gentleman, with three gold 
links fixed on his shirt-bosom. I spoke to him, and 
said, I would like his attention for a few moments. I 
tried to make myself known to him. He looked at 
me blankly for a second, then drawled out, " What is it 
you want old woman." This brought the tears to my 
eyes, at which one of the others said, " Why the old 
women is crazy." 

As I was turning to leave them, a gentlemen touched 
me on the arm, and said, '' Madam, can I assist you in 
any way?" I told him my situation. He frankly 
offered his assistance. 

Mr. F. now came forward, and ofTered Ais' services, 
telling me to stay with his wife, and asking my pardon 
for his abruptness. Taking several others with them, 
they went below, and soon returned with my husband 
and little girl; by using blankets and shawls, they 
were made very comfortable. Some kind gentleman 
ordered lunch for them on deck, of which then 
partook slightly ; b^^ night they were feeling much 
better. 

Tn a few days my child was all right, and enjoyed 
running around the deck with other children. 

My husband informed me the gentleman who had 
first offered his services was both a Mason and an Odd 
Fellow; he had noticed me trying to make myself 
known to that ruffian. We now had plenty of friends, 
who were ready to offer their assistance at all times. 

Off Cape Hatteras we had quite a storm, making 
nearly everybody sick again. The measles broke 



AS A. BOOK AGENT, 15 

out on board. How 1 pitied the poor women in the 
steerage, who had ho many children, all sick at once; 
with very few comforts, and lots of filth and dirt. 
There was one old Jewish lady, who had nine children, 
that I took quite a fancy to. Although she was among 
such a rough crowd, I know she had seen better days^ 
Several ladies and myself would often go with the 
doctor to see her, in his rounds in the steerage, and 
tried to add to her comforts in many ways. There was 
also a lady in the first cabin with five children; they 
were all sick about the same time. 

The youngest being very delicate, did not live, but 
a few days after the body was dressed for its watery 
grave, the captain ordered it sewed in canvas. 

It was placed on a plank, and held on the guards. 

The passengers gathered round, the steamer stopped 
for a few seconds, while the chaplain repeated the 
burial services. The signal given the body was lowered 
to its last resting place. 

The scene was sad and mournful. I did not wonder 
the mother looked almost heart-broken; but I suppose 
it matters not where we lay our loved ones, whether in 
the quiet family vault, the restless ocean or the bloody 
battle-field, or the neat lot in thecemetrey, where loved 
ones could plant flowers, and di'op a tear on the marble 
slab, where their darlings lay. It matters not, for our 
souls shall meet again. 

It is eleven days this morning since we left New 
York. There is quite a commotion on board, for the 
words are going around that we shall land in a few 
hours. 

Every one is anxious to be the first to see land. 
Some mischievous chap, hollowed "Land, land!" and 
then laughed, after all had rushed to where he was 
standing:. 



1 6 SIX YEARS EXrERIENCE 

But midst all this excitement the ship still plowed 
on for some time, before land was in sight. At first 
it seemed like a mere speck, but grew larger and larger 
as we approached it. 

From the deck of the steamer, the country looked 
low and level. It seemed as though the sea was much 
higher. The ship cast anchor about four miles from 
Greytown; before she had hardly stopped, she was 
surrounded by natives with small boats, to convey the 
passengers ahore. The ladders were lowered. I stood 
anxiously watching the Hrst boat load off. It was 
brought close as possible to the ladder, and the ladies 
would jump and be caught in the arms of the half 
naked natives, who would stow them away until he 
got his boat filled. 

Four of them would take the oara and row away, 
while another would take the vacant place. 

The third one at last pushed off, which contained 
Mr. F. and wife; they had insisted upon our accom- 
panying them, but I could not get courage enough to 
venture just yet. As I watched their boat rise on 
some high wave, and then disappear for a moment, it 
seemed to me as though they would never reach land- 
Several gentlemen had promised they would assist 
us in getting on, and go with us ashore. The fourth 
one had some trouble in getting passengers, as all were 
afraid to venture. The gentlemen said we might as 
well go now as any time; so we descended the ladder 
and were soon in the boat. 

For some lime the natives seemed to battle with the 
waves, but finally cleared the ship and rowed hard for 
the shore. 

After being sprinkled several times by waves break- 
ing over us, we reached the bar whore they waited for 
a wave to carry us over. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. . 17 

In a few iiiinutes we were raised high, and carried 
into the mouth of the river. I began to breathe more 
freely, although we wavQ yet quite a distance from 
land. The boat moved more rapidly, and we were noio 
in very shallow water. 
The natives had to push us ashore with setting poles. 

When I once more found myself and family on land, 
I sent up thanks for our safety so far, to Him who rules 
over land and sea. I now began to look around me. 
At some distance I saw Mr, F. and wife coming toward 
us. When they came up, he said he had engaged lodg- 
ings for us in the same hotel Avith them. 

Arriving there, we found the building a story and a 
half high, made of rough boards, with two long porches 
in front, the whole structure covered with a species of 
cane or palm, to make the rooms cool. 

Everything outside had a free and easy appearance. 
Hogs running around the door, chickens on the porch, 
all seeming to be at home. 

The landlord came forward, telling Mr. F. he could 
find the rooms. We passed up the rough outside stair, 
crossed the porch and entered a neat, though poorly 
furnished room, \vith a single and double bed. Although 
it was plain, I thought it was i-'aradise to being on the 
steamer; even then it seemed as though the house was 
pitching and rocking around. 

We made good use of the soap and water, and dressed 
ourselves in suitable and comfortable clothing for this 
hot climate. Afterward we went below in search of 
the dining^:'-oom, in which we found a long rough ta- 
ble, minus a cloth, with long rough seats. 

The fare consisted of roast pork, boiled rice, fried 
plantain and corn bread. They had some kind of wheat 
bread, I cannot call it any name, for I never saw any- 



18 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

thing like it before or since, but it answered for des- 
sert with a cup of coffee. 

The landlord was an old Californian, who was very 
polite and obliging, promising to show us around when 
it became cooler, saying we must not stir around much 
during the heat of the day for fear of fever. 

Mr. F. and wife, myself and family, seated ourselves 
on the porch to watch the natives as they passed. The 
women wore dresses made of different kinds of thin 
material, hanging half ofi' of them, showing all of their 
neck and shoulders, barefooted, while around their head 
they wore a very highly colored handkerchief, arranged 
in the same style as the negroes in the Southern States. 
They also looked free and easy. 

The portion of the town we had a view of lay up the 
river. The houses were low and small, built of rough 
material, all covered with the same stuff as the hotel. 

We all grew tired, and went to our rooms to rest 
ourselves, where I soon fell asleep. 1 was awakened 
by my little girl saying, '' They are waiting for you 
mamma.'' I went below and joined the party. We 
started off, the landlord acting as guide. First we vis- 
ited the foreign consuls. They received us very pleas- 
antly. One of them had a beautiful cocoa-nut grove. 
Our guide showed us a great many native trees and 
shrubs, among them the orange, lemon, pine-apple, 
mango and plantain. I think the bread-tree the most 
beautiful of them all. 

Its wide-spreading branches are of the handsomest 
green I ever saw, with its fruit in abundance. I did 
not taste it, as it was not ripe, but was told it tasted 
very much like our wheat bread. 

We next visited the Marine burying-ground, which 
was some distance in the woods. On the way^ we 



AS A llOOK AGENT. 19 

passed a low one story, odd lookiiisx building, with no 
windows. Our guide said it was where the Masor.ic 
lodge met. I wandered around tlie building; thought 
how different it was from the Temple I liad visited 
not quite a year ago in Pliiladclpliia. Tiie one so 
very grand and this so lowly. 

J5ut I must follow the party. 

On either side tlie paths, as they wind through the 
woods, are lined with wild flowers, and creeping ivy. 
At last we came to an opening in'the woods, there, en- 
closed with a neat iron fence, lie the remains of many 
different nationalities, many of them had handsome 
tombstones placed there by their fellow seamen. 
We wandered around the woods for some time; they 
looked very dark and dismal, for it was now after sun- 
set. It seemed to me as though a gloomier spot 
could not have been selected for a burying-grt)und. 

We returned by the way of the river. 

Our guide showed us the hull of an old vessel 
lying out on the bar, which he said belonged to Wal- 
ker's fiUibustering expedition. 

We also saw the large warehouses where freight was 
stored. In this portion of the town the buildings 
are very good. There are two tine brick buildings 
owned by two Englishmen, who have large variety 
stores. 

We returned to the hotel, and found, seated on the 
porch enjoying the evening air, many of the passengers. 

The next morning before sunrise finds myself and 
family sitting on the river bank, with many others, 
watching how close the sharks would venture to land 
when anything was thrown in the water, frightening 
the children by catching them, and saying we would 
throw them to the sharks. 



20. SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

One thing seemed singular to me, how the half 
naked natives could swim or wade around in the water 
and the sharks would not trouble them, when they 
say it is hardly safe for white men to venture out in 
small boats. Several hours were quickly spent wan- 
dering around the shore, until time to return to the 
hotel for breakfast, when the landlord saw many of 
the ladies had on slippers, lie told them they must 
not wear them out doors again, as they might get 
their feet full of jiggers. 

He gave us a description of what they were. I re- 
member seeing .yo/ne of the toes of the natives par- 
tially eaten off. I askeij liim if they were the cause 
of that ; he replied they were — that they sometimes 
made cripples of them. 

After breakfast we lounged around the rooms and 
porches, until three o'clock in the afternoon ; we 
then understood that the Moses Taylor was not ex- 
pected until night. We knew we would not get away 
Irom Grey.town for some days, as her passenger 
had all to be brought down the river before ours 
could go up. So in company with the landlord as 
guide, we started out sight seeing again. 

Taking a different direction from the previous 
evening; we went around by the way of the Lagoon, 
where we stopped to look at the native women wash- 
ing clothes. It was a novel way of washing to me. 
I therefore watched them with much curiosity ; some 
were beating the clothes over logs, some superin- 
tending the boiling, while some were standing in the 
water rinsing, and others were spreading them on the 
grass and bushes to dr}^ 

Leaving them to finish their work, we follow the 
lagoon for some distance farther on ; the banks of 
which were very beautiful, covered with green grass^ 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 21 

with here and there a large tree, which made it cool 
and shady. We turned to the left and followed a 
path that led through a strip of woods towards the 
river. Close to the bank was a thicket of a species 
of cane ; here our guide told us to keep a sharp look- 
out, as the place was infested with many poisonous 
reptiles. For sometime we amused ourselves by get- 
ting water lilies and wild flowers, some of which 
were very beautiful, also quite fragrant. 

We returned through the upper part of town. 

Some of the natives had grounds enclosed around 
their dwellings, in which were planted coffee, indigo 
and other plants and shrubs, they seemed to be well 
cultivated and with some taste ; but the most of them 
had no enclosures about their dwellings ; around their 
doors were gathered monkeys, goats, chickens, pigs 
and generally half a dozen half naked, dirty children, 
all playing together, and looked as though they might 
eat and sleep in the same place. 

Sickened with the sight, we returned to the hotel, 
where we found a young man, known among the pas- 
sengers as ' Alabama', playing his pranks as usual and 
talking in his odd and droll way, telling negro stories 
such as this : " A very zealous colored sister being at 
a revival meeting, became very happy, and in her en- 
thusiastic way, sprang upon her feet, and shouted very 
loudly, 'Oh Lord, I wish I had the wings of a June 
bug ; I'd fly to my Jesus.' Now a less enthusiastic 
brother, said, ' Hush, you fool ; the jay-bird would 
catch you before you got forty rods.' 

He also told many more laughable ones. The next 
day was Sunday ; we did not go out much. 

Monday morning they commenced to convey the 
baggage and steerage passengers down the coast, to 
4 



22 SIX YEARS EXPBRIENCB 

the mouth of the Colorado river. The remaining 
passengers amused themselves by sitting on the bank, 
and watching them loading the small steamer un- 
til they moved away. We then dispersed to the dififer- 
ent hotels, and made ready to go ourselves the next 
morning. 

By ten o'clock the following day, the first and sec- 
ond cabin passengers were all aboard ; bidding good- 
bye to Greytown; we passed over the bar, and were 
once more on the ocean. 

The steamer was a small coaster with no cabin or 
accomndations whatever. There was a heavy sea, and 
the little steamer seemed to have all she could carry, 
but still battled with the waves that seemed to 
threaten her destruction at any moment : at every 
surge she seemed to crack, and sound as though she 
would break to pieces. 

She was named the ' Active', and I think it a very 
appropriate one too, for nearly all on board soon be- 
came very active, and seemed as though they would 
throw up even their boots; but I will not jest about it. 
All the benches were occupied by ladies, lying 
down, groaning and moaning. 

The strongest man reeled, while others weaker 
soon became so sick that they lay on the bare floor, 
in all the filth and dirt — among them my husband. 
I was seated on some baggage, watching and tending 
my little girl, who was so white and limp I was 
afraid she would die. Two gentlemen came and took 
my husband on deck. I now began to feel sick, but 
my anxiety for my dear ones kept me up. 

Soon those on deck were driven below. The 
word was given to fasten all the hatches while we 
crossed the bar, into the mouth of the Colorado river. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 23 

The pilot was lashed to the wheel, and even the 
brave, stout-hearted seamen looked pale, as they went 
around performing their duties. They said, "We were 
in great danger of being dashed to pieces. For a mo- 
ment the steamer seemed to stop, everything was si- 
lent except now and then a groan fi'om the sick. She 
seemed to rise on a wave, a grating sound, as though 
she struck bottom, then another rise, and she shot like 
a flash out into the mouth of the river. 

The hatches were raised and all seemed to gain new 
life. We run alongside of the river steamer, and 
were soon on board, where we found the baggage and 
steerage passengers awaiting us. The two steamers 
now separated, midst many cheers for the safe return 
of the little ' Active' and its brave seamen. 



CHAPTER II. 
Crossing the Isthmus. 

It was three o'clock; we were moving quite rapidly 
up the river. The boat was a long narrow structure, 
with a lower and upper deck, open at each side, with 
low guards. Through the centre were three rows of 
posts to which berths were attached, five or six feet 
apart, with canvass stretched wide enough for two per- 
sons, with one blanket and two pillows. 

The passengers soon began to gather around an open 
window in the end of the boat, where lunch was given 
out. It consisted of cold boiled ham, bread and but- 
ter, canned monkey, or chici^en, they said, and nice 
hot coifee. 

The passengers had plenty of room in their stom- 
achs, so they stored away a great quantity of it. I, 
for one, did not eat any of the fowl, as I did not like 



24 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

tlie looks of the bones ; but some said it was delicious. 

During the remainder of the afternoon we watched 
the shore eagerly to discover any birds or animals, but it 
was too late in the day, and none made their appearance. 

The banks, on either side, were covered with heavy 
timber and under-brush, entwined with beautiful 
vines and flowers. In the setting sun it looked grand 
but gloomy. 

Soon after dark the confusion began — stealing 
berths, and many other pranks. We had no light 
save the moon, and all laid down with our clothing on. 
I could distinctlyhear Alabama'svoice above thenoise. 

It seems he had stolen an old lady's berth, which 
she had left for a little while. He was saying to her, 
"Now, please, do go away, and let me sleep; you know 
I'm awful tired, that's a dear, good old soul." He 
then would make a hideous noise, like he was snoring. 
The lady became tired and disgusted talking, and un- 
dertook to pull him out, when he cried, " Help ! Help ! 
this old lady's trying to get in bed with me!" She 
now let him alone, when some kind gentleman offered 
her his berth. All was silent for some time and every 
one was thought to be asleep, when he yelled out, "Say, 
old lady, are you comfortable ? 'kase if you ain't, I'll 
change with you." 

Next morning when I awakened, the sun was shining 
brightly. Seats were at a premium. Those that had 
to stand would look over the side of the steamer very 
quietl}^, for sometime, then holler, "Alligator! Alliga- 
tor !" Those occupying seats would, some of them, 
make a grand rush ; but no alligator, nor anything 
else was to be seen ; upon returning to their seats, 
would find some mischievous fellows in them, laughing 
heartily at the sport. 

I could sit for hours watching the shore, admiring 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 25 

the scenery. I was perfectly entranced with its beauty, 
but did not catch a glimpse of either beast or bird. 

About noon we came to the foot of the rapids ; 
here the steamer was made fast. It was said we were 
to remain until morning, while the steerage passengers 
walked around the rapids, and the baggage >vas con- 
veyed in small boats. It was a wild and picturesque 
spot. 

During the afternoon, in company with a small par- 
ty, one acting as guide, who had been over the grounds 
before, we wandered through the woods for some 
time, but did not dare to venture far from the boat, 
for fear of wild beasts or savage natives. I saw many 
plants and shrubs in which I took great interest. 
Among them were the rubber and mahogany trees, the 
ginger root, and other plants. We returned without 
having seen a bird or monkey. 

Several others, who had been out exploring, had ex. 
citing stories to tell : what wild animals they had 
seen, and how near they came being devoured. 

Alabama, who, I think, had not left the boat at all, 
said, in his queer way, " Why, law, yes, I saw a flying 
angel wid de long, white robe." 

Some of the passengers passed the time away fish- 
ing from the lower deck, with bent pins for fish-hooks. 
There were fish in abundance ; a bread-crumb thrown 
into the water would create a perfect tumult. After 
they were fried by the cook, they tasted splendidly. 

Next morning, at the first peep of day, we were on 
the move. The river was so low we had to go on foot 
around tlij rapids, while the sick and lame were taken 
in small boats. It was quite cloudy, and we had not 
gone far when a drizzling rain set in. We had pre- 
pared ourselves with umbrellas to protect us from the 



26 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

sun — now they became quite useful. The road, or 
path, rather, got very slippery and muddy, but Mr. 
F. and wife, myself and family got along nicely. We 
expected to rough it before we left Grreytown. Some 
of the ladies had on long, trailing dresses and thin 
shoes, so they suffered the consequences. 

But, for all the disagreeablenss, I enjoyed it. One- 
side of the narrow path was skirted with heavy woods, 
in which there were many birds, making the air re- 
sound with their merry notes. Once in awhile the 
chatter of some unseen monkey would be heard. 

On the other side flowed the river. The path was 
so narrow we had to walk Indian fashion, one by one, 
which made quite a procession. 

The distance was four miles from the steamboat we 
had just left, to the place where the next one was 
waiting for us. When we had walked two miles, we 
came to a low shed, where a native had ginger beer, 
whiskey and other drinks, also ginger-bread, green 
ginger-root and maple-sugar. 

After resting for a while, and taking a glass of lem- 
onade, we trudged on. It cleared off, and the sun 
came out warm — everything looked bright and cheer- 
ful. At length the remaining two miles were passed ; 
we reached the head of the rapids. There was a short 
bend in the river; as we were now in sight of the steam- 
boat, our party concluded to rest in this beautiful nook 
for a short time. The small boat containing the sick 
had not passed us yet, as they had to go very 
slowly, so there was plenty of time. 

Seating ourselves on old logs and roots of trees, I 
thought a more beautiful place could not be found. It 
was so wild and everything grew with such luxuriance. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 27 

I do not think there can be any richer soil in the 
world. 

The little boat was seen, after the lapse of a couple 
of hours, coming slowly up the river. Some of the 
natives^ were trying to row, while others were out in 
the water pushing with poles. 

They soon passed us and ran alongside of the steam- 
boat; the sick, lame and balance of the baggage were 
conveyed on board ; we walked slowly up the river 
bank, until we came opposite the boat, where we 
passed down the gang-plank, and were soon on board. 

As the little nook faded from our view it looked 
more beautiful than ever. While our boat steamed 
gallantly up the river, I watched both shores in hopes 
of getting sight of an alligator, and often imagined 
I saw one, but as the boat would approach near 
enough to get a good look, it would prove to be 
an old log, or piece of drift wood, lodged against the 
bank. 

But after a good deal of watching and any amount 
of patience, almost exhausted, a regular, genuine live 
alligator, was discovered lying on a low gravelly bank, 
out some distance from the water, enjoying himself in 
a sound sleep in the bright sun. When the boat 
came near enough to wake him up, he leisurely be- 
took himself to the water in a kind of half walk and 
half crawl manner, he seemed to be very awkward on 
dry land, however spry he may be in the water. 

As a thing of beauty he is not a success, in my esti- 
mation, and looked but little different from the imag- 
inary ones I had seen previous to this in the shape of 
old logs, &c. 

The river along here was shallow and narrow, on ac- 
count of the very low stage of water, and so very 



28 SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 

crooked and meandering in its course, that, as small 
as our boat was, it was almost impossible for it to fol- 
low the channel; in some places, often the pilot 
would run the bow of the boat so close to the bank 
in these sharp turns, that the captain would have to 
keep a gang of native boatmen on the bow with set- 
ting poles to push her away; at times even this method 
would fail and she would strike the bank and stick 
there. 

The only remedy left, would be for this gang of men 
to plunge into the water, which was generally about 
waist deep, and with a tow line, pull her bow around 
from the bank by main force. These difficulties, of 
course, made our progress very slow, but slow as it 
was, it did not become irksome, for the climate was 
delightful, and the scenery was wild and beautiful 
enough to suit the most romantic maid of sixteen, or 
the greatest lover of nature in all her natural beauties. 

The land on each side was covered with almost every 
variety of timber known to that country. 

Underneath the trees were a great variety of plants, 
shrubs, and vines, some of which had climbed almost 
to the tops of the tallest trees, and were in full bloom, 
giving the forest on either side a most delightful ap- 
pearance, but looked to me almost impenetrable to^ 
man or beast. 

As I looked at this beautiful and rich country, lying, 
idle and in a wilderness, I thought if it was under the 
protecting arm of the United States, how soon Yankee 
industry and skill would make it the garden spot of 
the New World; but so long as it remains under the 
control of the indolent natives, it will be just as it is, 
a half- civilized wilderness. 

This boat was one grade smaller than the former 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 29 

one, with fare and lodging; about the same sleeping on 
bare canvas, without any bed-clothes; but as the nights 
were very warm and pleasant, we did not feel like com- 
plaining; the food was passed out of the store-room 
through a small window. Your cup of coffee, and a 
tin plate of cold boiled ham and canned meat, with a 
piece of bread, must be received in your hands, and 
eat the best way you could, standing or walking around 
he deck, as there were no tables. 

We only passed one afternoon and one night on this 
boat; the next day, about ten o'clock, came in sight of 
a small town, called Castillio; here we had to land 
again, at the foot of the rapids, and walk around, this 
time about one mile. 

In going around the rapids, we passed through this 
little, dirty, filthy town, of a few low huts, covered 
with cane, all on one street, almost every house a trad- 
ing shop of some kind ; most of them, however, were 
drinking shops. 

Just above the town, at the head of the rapids, was 
a fort, manned by a few native soldiers. I had a good 
opportunity to see a part of them, as a few of the pas- 
sengers, getting some lightning whiskey at the numer- 
ous shops in town, became noisy, and it was said, 
abused some of the native dignitaries; whereupon they 
sent to the commandant of the fort for a squad of sol- 
diers to quell the disturbance. He sent down about 
a dozen men, under the command of a commissioned 
officer, who marched them down through the one 
street of the town, with more pomp and display than 
ever J^apoleon did his victorious army after a success- 
ful engagement. Some had old rusty muskets, and 
some only swords in about the same condition ; they 



30 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

were all bare-footed, most of them bare-headed, with 
but a substitute for a military uniform. 

The officer threatened to arrest nearly the whole 
boat load of passengers, but after a while, marched 
his brave troops back to their quarters, without mak- 
ing a single arrest. 

We were then allowed to embark on board of an- 
other steamboat, lying above the rapids, waiting for 
us. We were soon on board, and got away from this 
great military city, without further adventure. We 
were told this was the . place where General Walker's 
fillibustering expedition finally came to grief; which, I 
presume, was correct, as the hull of an old ship lay 
down the river, below the town, said to have been 
sunk by the fortifications at this place, and drifted 
down, and lodged, had formed quite a little island by 
earth and driftwood lodging against it. 

This third boat was still smaller than the last, and 
the accommodations still poorer, or rather none a 
all, as there were not even canvass bunks, or no pro- 
visions on board; the boat looked to me as though it 
was rotten enough to fall to pieces by the motion of the 
engine; which would move back and forth every stroke 
as though it lay loose on the deck ; however, we were 
not destined to remain long on this frail craft. 

About nine o'clock we came in sight of the light on 
board of the lake steamer, and were soon along side 
ready to be transferred. It was very dark and foggy; 
the lanterns flickered so it was almost impossible to 
see. We were hurried on deck like so many cattle, and 
driven into a narrow hall in which there was no light 
except the lantern which our guide carried ; the flick- 
ering light made the place look very dismal and uninvit- 
ing. That night I never shall forget — even now as I 



AS A BOOK AGE^JT. 31 

pen those lines I shudder at the thought; how we 
grouped our way up the side of the steamer, along the 
dark passage way, while, in some distant portion of the 
steamer, could be heard the wil^ screams of a maniac. 

As we were driven farther along, the screams grew 
louder and louder, until I imagined I could feel her 
long bony fingers clutching me. In the stem of the 
steamer I saw a pale stream of light shining through the 
blinds of her state-room. I was pushed by the crowd 
against the door, which made her scream louder than 
ever, while I stood trembling with fear, thinking she 
might spring out upon me. Some ladies were protest- 
ing against being driven any farther, when the Captain 
who was standing in the bow of the boat holding the 
lantern over his head, giving orders, said they need not 
be afraid as the lady was closely guarded and could not 
hurt any one. 

It seemed a lifetime to me until the word was given 
that we could go to our state-rooms. Provision was 
made for the sick, first the ladies and children, next I, 
my little girl, and my friend Mrs. F. took possession of 
one. We found it very small, with two bunks, the 
lower one almost on the floor. 

With a blanket, shawls and satchels for pillows, we 
soon retired for the balance of the night. 

It was sometime, however, before I could get to 
sleep, for I could still hear the screams of that poor 
maniac, and while I lay there thinking what could 
have caused her insanity I fell asleep. 

It was quite late the next morning when I awoke, it 
did not take long to complete our toilet, for our room 
was minus water, soap or mirror. I combed my hair 
as best I could and left the room. 

When I stepped outside, I noticed the hall between 



32 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

the state-rooms was long and quite narrow, without an 
article of furniture or a piece of carpet, and was very 
filthy and dirty, 

I passed to the left, through a narrow door, which 
lead to the bow of the boat, when I found myself on 
what seemed to be a kind of promenade deck, some- 
thing after the style of the river steamboats in the 
East, except this one was covered overhead. 

Through the centre was a long, rough, narrow table, 
on one side of which was a bench of the same make 
and material; on it were seated a number of rough- 
looking native passengers, gambling, all more or less 
intoxicated. 

As I leaned over the guards, looking into the water^ 
I could hear the voice of the captain giving orders to 
the sailors — swear an oath for almost every word he 
said. I thought the whole place fearfully low and 
wicked ; but our passengers soon began to gather around 
on the bow of the steamer. 

I overheard a native, who could speak good English, 
tell one of our passengers, they were taking the insane 
lady from Castillo to Virgin Bay; that she had been 
forced to marry contrary to her wishes, and became 
insane. 

We now came quite close to a large mouutain, rising 
out of the lake, very rough and rugged in its appear- 
ance, with a cone-shaped top, in which seemed to be a 
cavity. Around the edges were dark craggy-looking 
points. We were told it was an extinct volcano. 

While all were looking closely at it, I heard some 
one scream; upon turning around, saw a young lady, 
who went by the name of Miss S., had fainted 
and fallen into the arms of a nice-looking gentleman. 
He said he was single. Whether he was or not, it is 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 33 

as Lord Dundreary says, "That 's something no fellow 
can find out." She did not frighten me much, for I had 
seen the performance too often while we were on board 
of the Guiding Star. But I could not blame her very 
much, as she was getting along pretty well in years, 
and, I should judge, from her actions, she would like to 
find some man who would marry her. She came to 
finally, and the excitement subsided. 

The mountain was passed, and we concluded to have 
some breakfast ; of this every one could partake free- 
ly, providing he found his own gnib. Ours consisted 
of hard sea biscuits, native fruit, and river water, with 
lime juice in il for drink. 

I bit very carefully on the hard biscuits, for fear I 
might break my false teeth. I did not wish to have 
another commotion on board, for if they were broken, 
there would be a wedding, for my nose and chin would 
meet. 

The steamer now began to round in toward the 
shore. It was ten o'clock; she was some time in 
making the landing, for the passengers would rush to 
the bow of the boat, which would make her stick fast, 
before she could reach the rough pier, and would have 
to back out and take a new start. But after many 
trials, and a great deal of swearing, the captain suc- 
ceeded in making a landing, and we were soon marched 
off on to the pier. We started for the town, which 
was a few hundred yards away, and when we arrived at 
Virgin Bay we stopped to take dinner. Here, and there, 
scattered through the town, were sheds made of brush, 
under which were rough tables. You could have your 
choice of them, but, to me, they all looked alike. I 
was too hungry to look around much, so my family 
and I were soon seated, devouring chicken, rice, boiled 



34 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

eggs, and hot coffee. I would have to stop, once in a 
while, to pick the largest pieces of dirt out of the 
bread, as I did not wish to choke. I told Mr. F. I 
did not want to be denied the pleasure of going out to 
the Moses Taylor in the little boats he had talked 
about. He had pictured them to me as more danger- 
ous than anything we had yet encountered. 

After dinner, we looked avound the town for a little 
while, and met many natives with parrots and mon- 
keys for sale. My husband bought one of the former 
for our little daughter. 

The conveyance from Virgin Bay to San Juan del 
Sur consisted of old ambulance wagons, drawn by 
horses and mules. You could have your choice, to go 
on horseback, but the horse turned out to be a mule, 
or in a wagon . Many gentlemen chose the former. 

Our party engaged an ambulance and paid the 
driver extra, for not to crowd it in. We had not 
gone more than three miles, when we would come 
upon some broken-down team, or see some mule trying 
very hard to get rid of its rider. Still farther on we 
saw some mules who had succeeded, making for home, 
to be hired out again, and the poor, unfortunate fel- 
lows would have to walk it out, unless they were taken 
in by some teams. 

The road that lead down the mountain was very 
good ; the scenery fine; so fine, indeed, I was sorry when 
we reached the foot and began to move slowly up the 
beach, where the few houses and sheds seemed alive 
with our passengers. 

At a short distance from shore lay the Moses Tay- 
lor, like a mountain rising from the Ocean. 

After alighting from the ambulance we went into. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 35 

the sheds. There were many native women, with very 
handsome shells, bead-work and corals for sale. 

Mr. F. said I had better hide Polly, as they do not 
allow them on board, which I did, by emptying the 
contents of a basket into a shawl and making a bundle 
of them. 

I put poor Polly into the basket and tied a shaw 
over it. She would let people know we had her, by 
once in a while giving a loud squeak, or bobbing her 
head against the shawl. 

Preparations were soon made to take us on board j 
which was done by ropes made fast to the shore, and 
ship, also attached to a barge; we were drawn along- 
side of the steamer. 

Just a little while before reaching it, the wind took 
my hat off, which in turn took my net with it, thus 
leaving my hair flying. We were too near the foot of 
the ladder for me to think of my appearance. 

Nearly all had ascended; I stood in one end of the 
barge with the bundle on my arm, the basket contain- 
ing the parrot in one hand, my hat in the other; and 
my hair streaming in the wind, fearing to step from the 
barge to the ladder, encumbered as I was; some kind 
gentleman assisted me. Once aboard I found Mr. F, and 
wife, my husband and little girl all laughing heartily 
at me saying, " You look as though you were crazy". 

I was angry with them, and stepped into the ladies 
cabin just as I was. The stewardess came along, and 
said ," Madam, you had better go below; you do not be- 
long in here." I told her I hiew ivhere I belonged and 
took a seat. She looked at me with her piercing gray 
eyes as if she too thought I was crazy. T felt myself 
as though I might be. 



36 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

• Mr. F. secured our state-rooms. When once in the 
room I made a change in my appearance. We went on 
deck and amused ourselves watching the rest of the 
passengers get aboard, until dark. 

I found the Moses* Taylor not so fine a steamship as 
the Guiding Star. The accomodations were very few; 
although the captain and crew seemed to do all that 
lay in their power to make us comfortable. 

When I went into the state-room, I found Polly fast 
asleep upon the perch I had made for her, which con- 
sisted of a case-knife, with the blade stuck in a crack 
in the side of the steamer, close to the ceiling. On 
this she made her voyage from San Juan del Sur to 
San Francisco, except for a little while, three times a 
day, when she was lifted down to take her meals of 
coffee and cracker. 

I soon retired for the night, and fell asleep. Yery 
early next morning, found my husband, little girl and 
myself on deck, anxious to see the sun rise. Here we 
found many ladies and gentlemen already seated around 
the guards, enjoying the delightful morning air; among 
them Alabama. He looked pale; and upon my in- 
quiry, told me he was quite sick, and would like very 
much to be with his mother this morning. I asked if 
there was anything / could do for him. '"Not any- 
thing, I thank you," he said. 

I crossed over to the opposite side, where Mrs. F. 
was sitting; after bidding her good morning, and en- 
quiring after her health, I turned my gaze toward sun- 
rise; for it now began to show its rays on the sky. 
The scene soon was very grand. 

Far out on the peaceful Pacific was first seen a small, 
bright ray, which gradually grew brighter and brighter, 
until it became so brilliant you could not look upon it 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 3 ^ 

with the naked eye, while close to the sides of the 
steamer the sprays would glitter in the sun. 

I was startled from my reverie by some one pushing 
me so severe that I nearly lost my balance. On look- 
ing around, there stood Alabama, with his arms 
stretched out as though he was ready to catch me, and 
tried to look frightened; and drawled out, " Why, I 
guess you were asleep, or at least you were nodding, 
and came mighty near falling overboard. You fright- 
ened me terribly." 

I told him I would thank him to keep his hands to 
himself. He said, "Well, I'll declare, that is the way 
you thank me, is it, for trying to save your life ?" 

The gong sounded, and we all went below to break- 
fast. Our seats had not been assigned to us yet, so 
we each took one, where we could find a vacancy. 
The fare was not as good as on the Guiding Star; still 
it did very well, and there was plenty of it. 

During the day, my husband introduced me to the 
Captain, who by the way, is now chief wharfinger in 
San Franciseo. He also introduced me to the first 
mate. I found them very pleasant gentlemen, but dif- 
ferent in dispositions; the Captain firm, sedate, with 
but little to say, yet very kind and agreeable; while 
the other was jolly, full of fun. and always ready to 
play some prank. 

In the evening nearly all were collected on deck; 
some amused themselves by dancing to the music 
played by an Italian, on a harp; others promenading, 
while I stood apart, watching the moon shedding her 
light over the smooth waters. The dancing ceased, 
and the Italian played a low, mournful air; I think it 
sounded more beautiful than anything I ever heard. 
It is true that music sounds the sweetest when on the 
5 



38 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

rippling sea. It was very late before we retired that 
night, for it was so warm and pleasant on deck that 
many preferred it to the close, sultry state-rooms. 

Several days passed without much change. The 
same monotonous life of a sea voyage. A great deal 
of the time when land was in sight, the Captain would 
explain points of note. 

Longing for a change of some kind, I went with my 
husband, Mr. F. and wife below, to look around with 
the second mate for a guide; he took us down by the 
way of the cattle-pens and poultry coops. 

The cattle were slaughtered every day to supply the 
tables of the steamer with fresh beef. They looked as 
though they had been fed on barrel hoops and moon- 
shine. I thought it was a mercy to those that were 
killed first. 

We then went through the engine room, and looked 
at the working of the powerful engine that propelled 
the steamer, and wondered at the immense amount of 
coal consumed by it while performing its work. 

We returned on deck again, by the way of the steer- 
age passengers' dining room. Their tables were com- 
posed of rough boards, hanging by iron rods, or hooks, 
attached to the ceiling; the passengers were just taking 
their dinner, and looked more filthy and dirty than 
the stock we had left. 

The tables were furnished with tin plates, tin cups, 
iron spoons, knives and forks. The grub was served 
in a number of large tin pans, sitting along in the cen- 
tre of the tables; it consisted of fat pork and beans, 
also bean soup. They drank a very poor quality of 
water, but seemed to relish their meal as well as if it 
was the best the ship could afford, served up on china- 
ware and a spotless table-cloth. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 39 

After our return on deck, my friend, Mrs. F. and 
myself, went to the first mate's quarters to try and get 
a drink of good water; we found him pleasant and 
agreeable; he gave us a drink of condensed sea water, 
which we found quite an improvement on the supply 
of freshwater on board. He said he used it altogether 
for his own use, as he preferred it to any other he 
could get. 

While talkiug, the surgeon passed; he gave us an 
introduction, and we learned that Alabama was quite 
sick; he took us to see him; we found his state- 
room very close and uninviting. We took the 
doctor's orders concerning the medicine, and said we 
would act as nurse until he was able to be around 
again. Although he was such a wild harum-scarum 
follow, I had taken quite an interest in his welfare. I 
learned that his parents were wealthy Southern peo- 
ple; he was well educated, but had run away from 
home for some reason or other. 

Next day, Mrs. F. and I, in company with the doc- 
tor, paid a visit to our Jewish lady-friend in the steer- 
age. We found this apartment smaller and dirtier 
than on the Guiding Star. She was in one corner, as 
far from the rest as was possible for her to be, with the 
children gathered around her: the youngest was very 
sick; the doctor had given up all hopes of its living; 
but it was still alive when we arrived in San Fran- 
cisco. 

An Irish lady, some eighty years old, started in 
company with her daughter, for California, as steerage 
passengers. She, being old and feeble, fell overboard 
in re-embarking at Greytown. What little baggage 
she possessed could not be had just then; conse- 
quently had to remain in her wet clothes, which 



40 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

brought on sickness. She lived to get on board the 
Moses Taylor; but died some seven or eight days after 
we left San Juan del Sur. 

When I went around among the steerage passen- 
gers, and saw the fare and accommodations they I had, 
did not wonder a lady of her age should die for want 
of care, after the exposure she had passed through. 
She was coming to make her home with her son, living 
somewhere in California, but was committed to the 
deep as a last resting-place, in the usual form of a 
burial at sea. 

Our passengers had, by this time, been together long 
enough to throw off all restraint and act in their nat- 
ural dispositions, and . many flirtations were going on, 
even among the married ladies. There was a gentle- 
man of fifty married to a girl of sixteen : he was quite 
fine looking; the report on board was, she had, as a 
great many others have done, married him for his 
money, and did not act as though she cared much for 
him; she seemed to delight in tormenting him in every 
way she could ; would steal away to have a chat with 
some nice young fop. 

Whenever we would see the old gentleman coming 
around peering into every corner, and looking so ner- 
vous, we would know Anna had escaped. If you would 
see him sitting with his eyes fixed on the floor, looking 
like some melancholy lunatic, you might know he 
could not find his darling Anna, as he called her. 

On one occasion she came on deck hanging on a man's 
arm, promenaded past her husband, as though she did 
not see him, went forward to the bow of the boat, 
turned and came back until she stood opposite, then 
sprung toward him. She said, "Why, Pa, what is the 
matter ? You look as though you would jump over- 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 41 

board;" at same time looking up at the young man 
and winking; still I do not think she meant any harm^ 
for I often overheard them talking, when he would be 
lecturing her severely; her replies were always some- 
thing after this fashion: "Oh nonsense, I am going to 
to have a good time while I can, what's the use of be- 
ing so pokey," and away she would go, humming some 
lively tune, such as "I am the girl that's gay and 
happy," &c. There were many other married ladies 
who were older and more experienced, that got into 
trouble; for them I had no sympathy. Altogether, we 
had a nice respectable crowd. 

I often would amuse myself for hours watching the 
Mexican shore, and thought it looked very much like 
some great fire had passed over it all. I was told 
herds of cattle would keep fat among the hills and 
mountains, but /could not see how even a mountain 
goat could subsist, they looked so barren. 

In some places were small canons, where vegetation 
seemed to grow. Here and there the captain would 
point out some trail or road winding around the 
mountains. 

One day he showed us, at some little distance, 
smoke, which he said was issuing from a volcano. In 
the evenieg as we drew nearer to it, a red light 
could be seen. We did not stop at Acapulco. But at 
Manzanillo the steamer rounded to. She was soon sur- 
rounded by natives with small boats, containing differ- 
ent varieties of tropical fruit for sale. It was amus- 
ing to watch the various modes they had of conveying 
the fruit on board. 

Some had long ropes they would fling to the pas- 
sengers, attached to some kind of a basket, and they 
would draw them on board. Other natives would 



42 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

throw oranges, limes, &c, on deck and seemed to be 
much pleased, by the broad grin on their faces, at our 
trying to catch them. Many pranks were played by 
some of our jolly chaps. Alabama, who had by this 
time got all right and at his tricks as usual, was stand- 
ing on the lower deck with some gentleman's cane, and 
as the passengers on the upper deck were pulling up- 
a basket of fruit, he would draw it to him with the 
hook end of the cane, and take the fruit out, which 
made the natives angry. 

At this place, a Spaniard got on board, bound for 
San Francisco. It was said he had a large quantity of 
coffee wibh him for the market. A short time was 
passed at Manzanillo, which broke the monotony of 
the trip, the little boats pulled away toward the 
shore, and the steamer made preparations to leave. 
I watched the little boats and their dusky owners 
with great interest. In their dark, swarthy faces 
could plainly be seen a miniature of the xlfrican and 
. Indian races. In their mouth and nose they resem- 
ble the African, and in their straight black hair, and 
snake-like eyes the Indian. 

They wore loose shirts or blouses, pants fastened 
around the waist, with a red sash or broad belts, in 
which they carried long dirk-knives ) all bare-footed 
and some bare-headed. They looked to me very 
savage and uncivilized. 

My attention was drawn by my husband to a long 
train of pack mules, leaving the town and winding 
their way up the mountains. The scenery around 
this place was quite beautiful. The town itself was 
very small, the houses seemedto be built like those 
described heretofore at Greytown. 

In crossing the Gulf of California, it was very rough. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 43 

I suffered with fear more than at any other time during 
the voyage. 

The Moses Taylor rolled fearfully. A lady told me 
it was called the rolling Moses. I think she well de- 
served the name. Some of the passengers preferred 
the rolling of the steamer to the terrible pitching of 
the Guiding Star, but I liked it on the other side much 
better; by sitting in the centre of it, you could scarcel}^ 
feel the motion, while on this one you could feel it 
no matter where you went. 

It was very cold and foggy. The waves rolled high. 
I would stand and watch them as they arose, then fell 
with a dull roaring sound, sprinkling the guards with 
their spray. 

It was a wild grand scene. It seemed to hold me 
spell-bound, while at the same time a great fear took 
possession of me. I hope I never may, as long as I live, 
experience the same feelings I had in crossing the 
Gulf of California. 

The first point of land we saw was Cape San Lucas- 
It was very cold, and no one could venture on deck, 
without being well protected. 

I left the guards, and went on the upper deck. 
Here I found Miss S., in company with an Englishman. 
The former clad in a long water-proof cloak, with the 
hood drawn over her head; looking pale, as though she 
had just come out of a fainting fit. I took a seat near 
them. 

He was telling about his large ranch in California; 
his 'orses, carriages and servants; he said when she ar- 
rived there she could 'ave a fine 'orse, and as 'andsome 
a riding 'abit as could be found in the city. I think 
she believed every word he said, from the way she 
looked and acted. I guess Miss S. never enjoyed her 



44 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

ranch life, as I heard he was a bar-keeper in a low sa- 
loon, and hadn't a cent in the world. Some time after 
his arrival here he cut his throat. 

Every day passed pretty much the same as its pre- 
decessor; once in a while some one would halloo, "A 
whale, a whale!" 1 would often run and look in the 
direction it was pointed out, but can say I never saw 
one. Sometimes I would see the water spirt up, and 
would be told it was a whale blowing; but I think they 
were only blowing. 

I often caught sight of other different kinds of fish, 
and saw any amount of sea-gulls. They sometimes 
followed the steamer in large flocks. It was quite 
amusing to throw something into the water and se^ 
them all dive after it. Often some of the passengers 
would fire a pistol or a shot-gun among them, and if 
any were killed or wounded, the remainder would 
chirp and hover o'er them, as though mourning their 
loss. 

On the evening of the 7th of May, at the supper- 
table, the news went around that this was our last 
meal on board the steamer. This was pleasant news 
to me, although I dreaded to pass through the Golden 
Gate. I had heard the first mate tell some of the pas- 
sengers we would have a rough time of it, he expected. 
I inquired if it would be as rough as crossing the Gulf. 
He said, "Yes, much worse, for here we have to cross 
the bar." 

I went to my state-room in great excitement, and 
thought of the little Active on the bar, in the Colo- 
rado River, and my fear in crossing the Gulf of Cali- 
fornia. In this way I passed the evening; then I lay 
down with my clothes on; after much worrying fell 
asleep, and awakened about daylight. I found my 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 45 

husband up; he said he was going on deck to see them 
pass through the Golden Gate. I went with him. 

When I got there, and saw how near we were to the 
entrance, I rushed back to my state-room with my lit- 
tle girl, crawled into a berth, and made her follow my 
example. I lay there trembling, thinking every min- 
ute the steamer would be dashed to pieces, turn bot- 
tom side up, or something else, I scarcely knew what; 
still she moved along, if anything, smoother than ever. 
In a short time, Mrs. F. came in, saying, " What on 
earth are you doing here? Why ain't you out sight- 
seeing?" I told her she had better come and lie 
down, because we would cross the bar soon. When 
she laughed loudly, saying, "Why, we have already 
passed over it. You must get up and make prepara- 
tions to go ashore.'' 

I soon turned out, and thought what a fool I had 
made of myself; I went outside to look, as I could 
hardly believe her, and found we were opposite the 
Barracks. 

The steamer seemed to be standing very still. I 
noticed several United States officers on board, who, 
in company with the Captain, visited every portion of 
the vessel; some said they would not let us land, as 
the measles were yet on board. I began to get Polly 
ready to go on shore; taking her from her perch, I 
once again put her in the basket, tied her up, and set 
the basket down to wait their decision. 

The steamer began to move once more. All on 
board was bustle and confusion. I and my family- 
were busy in getting ready to land, our wide-brimed 
Panama hats were laid aside for smaller and more 
suitable ones; not wishing to discard them altogether ^ 
I rolled them up, so as to carry them conveniently. 



46 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

At last the word was given to go ashore ; although we 
had a nice time and pleasant weather, I cannot say I 
am partial toward the water. 

In hurrying to land I had forgotten all about the 
hats I had tied up -, looking around to see if I had 
dropped them. I saw Alabama with them on a long 
stick, whirling them around, and singing to the tune 
of Susannah, the words, ''0! California, you're the place 
for me, I'm now in California with the hat-rack on my 
knee," &c. but I did not stop to listen; taking my 
little girl by the hand I pushed my way through the 
crowd. We reached the American Exchange coach, 
where my husband and some of my fellow passengers 
were waiting. 



CHAPTER IV. 
San Francisco. 

Being seated^ we were driven to the hotel. As we 
passed up and down the streets, we looked around in 
hopes of getting some idea what kind of a place it 
was; and I must say I was somewhat disappointed with 
the view it presented, especially in the lower part of 
the city, but it gradually improved as we drew near 
the hotel. • 

The American Exchange is too well known on this 
coast to need any comments from me, but I can say, 
the few days I remained there, the table was supplied 
with the best the market aftorded. The rooms were 
comfortable, and everything seemed to be done with 
care and neatness. 

The next morning Mr. F. showed us around the city 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 4< 

We visited many places, among them the California 
market. 

I have been in different markets, in several large 
cities, such as New Orleans, Mobile, St. Louis, Louis- 
ville, Cincinnati and others; none could compare 
with this for varieties, order and neatness, with the ex- 
ception of one at Philadelphia; but I suppose I should 
not compare it with San Francisco, one a grand old 
city of many years, the other, in comparison, but a city 
of a day. 

We next visited Woodward's Gardens; here I was 
much surprised to see such a large and fine collection 
of stuffed birds. We passed through all the buildings 
and around the grounds. I have seen many private 
and public cabinets, which contained choice selections 
from every portion of the globe, many museums, hor- 
ticultural grounds and hot-houses; also, art galleries; 
I have stood in wonder at the beauties mau could 
bring forth with pencil, brush and talent, still in this 
young city I find owned by Mr. Woodward as fine a 
variety for the amusement of the public as I have ever 
seen. 

I left the Gardens murmuring many praises for his 
taste and energy. 

The next morning, Mr. F. said he had made up his 
mind to settle in San Jose, and invited us to go and 
stop with them urn til we could look around, and make 
up our minds what we would do. 

I gladly accepted the invitation, for I was now so 
homesick I could not bear the thought of being sepa- 
rated from my friend Mrs. F. 

Four o'clock found us on our way to San Jose. Af- 
ter we had passed several stations, I began to think^ 
from the looks of the country through which the cars 



48 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

passed, Santa Clara County might loell be called the 
G-arden Spot of California, 

We arrived at San Jose just before dark, and stopped 
at a small hotel on First Street, called the Morgan 
House, where we were shown to neat and tidy rooms. 
After supper we collected in the parlor, where Mr. W., 
the landlord, and his wife, whom, by the way, we 
found very pleasant people, related to us their trip to 
California, the first house they lived in, and their 
many trials in getting started in business. Bidding 
them good evening, we went to our rooms, where we 
planned for the morrow. Mrs. F. and I concluded to 
rent a house together. 

In the morning it was foggy and cold. After break- 
fast Mr. F. and my husband went to Mr. C's real es- 
tate office, and soon returned with the keys to several 
houses. We went around to see them, and finally 
rented one on Third Street. The balance of the day 
was spent in buying a few things necessary for house- 
keeping. 

I did not wish to buy very much furniture, until we 
knew where we would settle. 

Being worn out, we retired early; but very little 
sleep did we get that night, for the fleas nearly carried 
us away. I lay and thought of all the stories I had 
read concerning bed-bugs and fleas; one of them was 
about a teamster, who stopped over night at a country 
hotel; finding he could not sleep in the bed for the 
bed-bugs, he thought he would fix them : going out to 
his wagon, he got his blankets and a pail of tar; re- 
turning to the room, he spread the blankets on the floor, 
and made a ring of tar around them ; he then laid 
down, thinking he would have a good sleep. 

" But, by Jove," he said " if they did not crawl up the 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 49 

wall and along the ceiling until they got right over me, 
and then fell." 

I am afraid if I had the tar, and tried his experi- 
ment, those San Jose fleas would have jumped over it, 
they were so large and strong. 

After passing a sleepless night, and eating a hasty 
breakfast, m}^ husband started out in search of em- 
ployment. He tried for several days, but each day 
would return home tired and pale, having found noth- 
ing his strength -would permit him to do. This com- 
bined to make me still more homesick, and almost wish 
I had never come to California. It was Sunday morn- 
ing; I and my family started out in search of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. Upon my husband in- 
quiring for it, we were shown where it stood. 

As I passed its threshold, a great change came over 
me. 1 was now in the house of God, in a strange land, 
and among strange people. A few moments after we 
were seated, the pastor in charge arose and commenced 
delivering his morning services. 

I could rww refer to the text, repeat much of his 
sermon and many words in his prayer, but I am not 
writing a religious work, and do not wish to mingle 
the sublime with the ridiculous. 

I here remark, the sermon was excellent. After church 
was over,the minister came forward and introduced him- 
self. It was the Rev. Mr. Dunn. Many of the mem- 
bers also came forward, and seemed to give us a hearty 
welcome. In the afternoon we attended the Sunday- 
School ; found it well conducted under the superintend- 
ence of Mr. Clayton. 

During the following week, my husband went to 
San Francisco, to see if he could get u position at 
eithei- of the railroad offices. He called on H. M. N., 



50 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

who promised to see the Superintendent and try to get 
him a situation, and let him know in a few days. 
When my husband returned to San Jose he seemed 
in better spirits. 

Two days passed in suspense, then a dispatch came 

from Mr. , the Assistant Superintendent, for my 

husband to report in San Francisco immediately. 
He was off by the first train. 

For several days I heard nothing from him, when a 
letter came saying he had a situation of over- 
seeing the freight shipped on the passenger trains in 
connection with the baggage, and wished me to come 
to San Francisco. Enclosed I found passes for myself 
and child. 

I here return my thanks to H. M. N and Mr. 

H , for their many kindnesses shown my hus- 
band. 

When I arrived in the City I found him looking 
much better. He was boarding and lodging at a res- 
taurant at the San Jose Depot, on Market street. He 
took us to his room. As we passed up the narrow, 
rough, uncarpeted stairs, through the dark hall, the 
gloomy appearance of everything made me almost 
shudder. I found the room plainly but neatly furnished, 
with two large windows looking out on the platform of 
the depot. 

At the supper table I was introduced to the land- 
lord and lady, also to a gentleman and his wife who 

were boarding, whom I will call Mr. and Mrs. T . 

I could not keep my eyes off the latter; she looked so 
sad and heart-broken I pitied her. This is Sunday, 
but I did not attend church, as my husband had to 
work. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 51 

Monday morning I started out house-hunting. I 
soon secured one. 

Tuesday I returned to San Jose, packed my furni- 
ture, had it conveyed to the depot, and shipped to San 
Francisco. In a few days I was nicely settled in the 
City, and everything went on smoothly until the eight- 
eenth night in July. 

About midnight my daughter was awakened by the 
screeching of the parrot, to find the house filled with 
smoke. She had some difficulty in awakening my hus- 
band and me, as we were almost smothered by the 
smoke. 

As we hurried down the stairs, everything was aglare. 
We saw Polly crouching at the foot, where in fright 
she had flown from her perch. We picked her up, and 
escaped into the street, just as the flames rushed into 
the hall. 

Our furniture and clothing were totally destroyed by 
either fire or v/ater. I afterward learned the fire orig- 
inated from a defective flue. A kind neighbor gave 
us lodgings for the night. In the morning we went 
over to the same restaurant, where we procured board 
and lodgings. This room was not so nice as the first 
one we had, being dark and small, but it was cheaper. 
I knew I must be very saving, for our money was almost 
gone. My husband had taken cold and felt much 
worse. Here I will drop the curtain for awhile over 
the scene. 



52 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 



CHAPTER Y. 

August 11th, 1868. 

Now begins the one great struggle of my life. I 
scarcely know where to turn or what to do. As I look 
around the room, I see nothing but want and poverty 
on every hand. Something must be done to get out 
of this place. Bidding my dear ones keep up courage, 
I start out. Never before did I know the meaning of 
the word poverty. Now I felt it in all its keenest 
pangs — everything looked dark and cloudy. I started 
for the Post-office. Not being able to pay car hire, I 
went on foot. On my way I passed the book-store of 
H. H. Bancroft, then on the corner of Montgomery 
and Merchant streets. In the window I noticed a card, 
with the words " Agents Wanted" on it. Stepping 
into the store a gentlemen advanced to meet me. I 
asked him "Do you employ ladies agents ?" "Yes", he re- 
plied, " allow me to take you to the Subscription Depart- 
ment." There I was shown to the gentleman in charge* 
I found him to be a frank kind-hearted gentleman. 

Will I ever forget him, for it was he who 
cheered me with his pleasant words. After talking 
for a few moments, he showed me an engraving of 
Grant and his Family, in upright form ; told me his terms, 
what to sell it for, and how much commission I would 
get. Knowing as I did that something must be done 
by me, we made a bargain ; he giving me a book to take 
orders in, and two of the pictures, told me to go on 
Montgomery street. I left the store with more elastic 
steps than I had since my arrival in California. I started 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 53 

up the street, but did not have the courage to stop until 
I reached Mr. M.,on Washington street; he bought the 
two and gave me the coin for them. How I thanked him ; 
I think if he had refused, I should not have had 
courage enough to ask any one else. I hastened back 
to the store, paid Mr. S. for them, and had four more 
rolled up for me. It was now three hours since I had 
left home. 

Taking them on my arm, order-book in my hand, 
I started up Montgomery street, calling on one and all, 
up stairs and down, in every room. 

Some looked at me curiously, others with pity, and 
somefeiu with contempt, while I endeavored, in my em- 
barrassment, and in an awkward way, to show the 
picture. 

I worked on faithfully until three o'clock in the 
afternoon, when I returned to my miserable room; 
but it contained those dear to me, where I found them 
very anxious about me. They soon cheered up, as I 
told them the events of the day. 

Tuesday morning I again resumed my work; for five 
days I canvassed steadily, nothing of importance oc- 
curring. 

In this time I made many dollars^ which I put to 
good use, buying comforts for myself and family, and 
preparing my little girl for school again. 

Eight o'clock every morning would find me in the 
street-car on my way to the business part of the city. 
I had one of the pictures mounted on canvass and 
rollers, that I used as a sample copy, taking orders, to 
be delivered in two or three weeks, and sometimes as 
far as two months. 

It was now just before Grant's election, and great 
excitement concerning it prevailed. The Democrats 
6 



54 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

arguing in favor of their candidate, and the Republicans 
in favor of theirs. 

In almost every room, in front of every store or 
business house, and on every street corner, I would 
find gentlemen in groups, whispering or conversing in 
low tones; I suppose plotting and planning for the 
coming campaign; while others were loud and boister- 
ous in expressing their opinions. 

It was a great trial for me to know just how to 
approach them, for the one almost fright/ened me, and 
the others so grave and solemn, still I did not pass any 
of them; with a heavy heart I would step up, unroll the 
picture, saying, " Gentlemen, I have a fine engraving of 
General Grant and his lamily." 

After they had looked at it, which they very seldom 
failed to do, I would present my order-book, take 
them in rotation, and insist upon one and all to sub- 
scribe, and was generally very successful. They 
would treat me kindly, and were very polite, with the 
exception of some few ruffians who seemed to have 
forgotten "their mother was a woman," would hurt 
my feelings, in many ways, with regards to Grant's life 
and character, on this coast, before the war; as 
though / was accountable for the way he had acted. 

I will here relate a circumstance. I went into a 
lawyer's office on Montgomery street. It was richly 
furnished, with care and neatness. At a table were 
seated two young gentlemen; at a desk was seated a 
person whom I took to be a gentleman, from the looks 
of his back. 

When I spoke to the young gentleman concerning 
the picture, he whirled around in the chair, and, oh, 
horrors, what a repulsive face. I had never seen any 
thing to equal it. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 55 

With a snarl, and the authority of a king, he said, 
"I don't want you to bother those boys, woman; what 
is it you want? I will attend to you." I politely 
showed him the picture. He looked up, with his 
blinky eyes, and crooked mouth, in which there was 
an attempt to grin. '•' I would buy the engraving if it 
had his squaw wife and Indian babies on it; we can- 
not trade madam," and he turned around to his desk. 

I left the office, without daring to again ask the 
young gentlemen to buy; but as I passed them, and 
although they were busily writing, their faces showed 
they were deeply mortified. 

When once alone in the hall, I sat down on the 
bottom stair that led to the third story of the build- 
ing, and had a good cry. 

Many passed me, looking at me wonderiugly, but 
none addressed me. I dried my tears awa}^, drew down 
my vail, and passed into the street. I had canvassed 
California street on both sides, from Front to Mont- 
gomery ; on Montgomery, from California to Washing- 
ton, and now made up my mind to try Front street, as 
Mr. S. had told me he thought I would be very success- 
ful there. I started in at California street, passed 
down the lower side to Washington. 

The gentlemen whom I met were all pleasant and 
jolly. Democrats joking Republicans by saying, '' Don't 
back out now; if the lady had a picture of Seymour 
we would buy it." Others would say, '' Don't let him off, 
madam ; he is as black as ever was." After many more 
jokes I passed up the other side. 

Here I met a gentleman from the country, who was 
trading at one of the wholesale houses; he seemed very 
angry to think a woman should besellingpictures among 
so many men. He said I looked old enough to be mar- 



56 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

ried and have a family, and ought to be at home taking 
care of them. 

I told him I knew I looked old, but he need not re- 
mind me of it; that I had a family and was trying to 
make an honest living for them, at the same time 
telling him I presumed he was a bachelor, who would 
not know how to appreciate a wife if he had one. 

The proprietor laughed heartily, and said, " Madam, 
you guessed right." As I was wasting time I left him. 

When I got to California street, my order-book 
showed fifty-three names I had taken on Front street. 
I next tried Davis street and took more orders than 
on any street of its size in the City, After this I took 
the rest of the business streets in rotation, canvassing 
them thoroughly, walking all day, and running the 
sewing-machine until late at night. 1 kept this up 
for six weeks, and was now canvassing on Third street, 
not succeeding very well. 

An old man was standing in the door-way of his 
shop ; I spoke to him, unrolled the picture and asked 
him to subscribe. He was a strong Democrat and was 
not long in letting me know it. 

" You d women think you will rule the country. 

There is a clique of you who go prowling around^ 
having secret meetings^ lecturing all over the country 
on women's rights; here you are roaming around with 
that d — picture of that loafer Grant. There was one 
of your clique in here the other day, lecturing on 
temperance. I told her in plain English to leave my 
shop; I would have no women's rights around me." 

I replied, '^ Thank you for your hint; I am not in your 
shop, nor do not intend crossing your door-way, for 
fear I might become polluted, for you certainly are the 
most profane ruffian I ever met." 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 57 

At this he became very angry, and I think he would 
have struck me, had he dared. I passed on and can- 
vassed for several blocks; all the gentlemen were polite 
and kind, until I came to Mr. B — e's large grocery store. 
Inside were a largecrowd of gentlemen talking politics, 
some of them seemed very much excited. 

1 stepped inside, unrolled the engraving and held it 
up for inspection, but did not say a word. One red- 
faced half drunken fellow stepped up and with many 
airs took hold of the engraving, examined it for a min- 
ute and said: "This picture is very imperfect," "In what 
respect," I asked. He replied, " It has not G-rant's Indian 
babies." I told him it was better to be father of 
Indian babies than, like Seymour, not the father of any.'' 

At this they laughed loudly, I looked at them 
for a second before I thought what I had said, I 
hurried away without asking any to subscribe. One 
of the gentlemen came out and called to me, I 
went back and four of them subscribed. 

Next day I tried Kearny street, and took many or- 
ders, before I reached the City Hall; here I turned down 
Merchant street, until I came to the lowest story of 
the building, determined to take the officers in rota- 
tion. I found Mr. B — behind the counter, who was very 
kind. After examining the engraving for some time 
he took my order-book, and signed his name. There 
were a great many of the street contractors in the 
office, among which he secured me some eight or 
ten names. 

He returned to where I was standing, and showed 
me what he had done. I did not wish to take the 
money, as I could not deliver the pictures to them for 
two weeks. " Take it along," he said, " if you are mean 
enough to run away with so small a sura the country 



58 SIX YEAR.S EXPERIENCE 

is well rid of you." Thanking them for their kindness 
I visited every room in the building. By the time I 
reached Washington street, I had twenty names on my 
order-book taken in the City Hall. 

That evening, when I returned to the restaurant, I 
went to Mrs. T.'s room, (whom I have mentioned in 
another chapter.) After telling her how well I was 
succeeding, T tried to persuade her to take Sacramento, 
and some of the upper counties, also telling her I had 
contracted with Bancrofts for the whole Pacific Coast 
for the upright picture of the Grant family, in con- 
nection with many others. 

It was some days before she would give me any 
definite answer concerning it, though finally con- 
sented to try and canvass Sacramento; for she, like 
myself, was very tired of the restaurant^ and was will- 
ing to do anything that was honorable and honest to 
get away from it. 

She went in company with me to the store, where I 
introduced her to Mr. S. ; at first, she was somewhat 
embarrassed, but his kind and easy manners soon re- 
assured her. 

I told him I did not wish the whole Coast. That 
Mrs. T. could have Sacramento, Marysville and Grass 
Valley. The bargain was closed. 

I now selected out of the remaining territory what 
I desired, which were San Francisco, Santa Clara and 
San Joaquin counties. 

It was t^o months since I first began to canvass, 
and I had several hundred names, also had the mone}^ 
for many small engravings. Bancrofts were looking 
daily for a new supply from Xew York. I had made 
up my mind to go to San Jose to canvass and take 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 59 

orders, dufing the Fair in that phice. which was to 
commence in a few days. 

The afternoon before the opening of the Fair found 
me in a railway car, bound for San Jose. I thought 
how lonely it would be there in not finding my friend, 
Mrs. F., as they had gone to San Diego. 

Although I had passed over the road four times 
previous to this, I could see new beauties in almost 
everything. In fact, in the former times, I was so 
home-sick I scarcely noticed anything. But the pros- 
pects looked much brighter to me now. 

As I sat and gazed from the car-window, I could 
but compare the autumn liere with that in the Bast. 
There, at this season of the year, I have often wan- 
dered through the woods, looked with admiration at 
the leaves, with their many tints, listened to the soft, 
low murmuring of the wind, while in the distance I 
heard the notes of some merry bird, keeping time 
with the sad rustling of the leaves beneath my feet, 
while here before me lies the Coast Range, sunburnt 
and barren in its uneven appearance, looking as 
though some great convulsion of the earth had thrown 
it there. This scene is both grand and sad, while the 
thoughts of the other are sublime. 

We pass on, and are soon at San Mateo. The town 
is not very striking in its appearance. But the coun- 
try on either side, as far as the eye can look, seems fine 
and well cultivated. The next place that takes my 
attention is Belmont. Off to the right is a winding 
caiion skirted with heavy timber, making it look very 
beautiful to me. 

As we pass through Redwood City, I was told it 
was the county seat of San Mateo county; it seemed 
to be quite a lively and flourishing little town. 



60 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

. There is Fair Oaks anrl Menlo Park, which are beau- 
tiful places for private residences. 

At Santa Clara I did not get a view of the town, as 
it lies at some distance from the depot. 



CHAPTER YI. 

San Jose. 

When T arrived at San Jose, I directed a hackman 
to take me to the Morgan House. The landlord recog- 
nized me at once, and seemed very glad to see me, but 
said he hadn't a vacant room in the house and recom- 
mended me to Mrs. M — on Third street. 

At Mrs. M — I was shown to a nicely furnished room. 
When the bell rang for dinner I descended to the 
dining-room. At the table were several ladies and 
gentlemen; all strangers to me. The landlady in- 
quired my name and introduced me to all. 

The meal passed pleasantly. I found them to be 
polite and genteel in manners and appearances. 

Next morning I went to the hall where the Fair was 
to be held, to try and secure some space where I 
might put a small table and a chair, but there wasn't 
any vacancy. The agent for the Florence Sewing Ma- 
chine, who had a large space, kindly offered me room 
in one corner. Mrs. M — the landlady, loaned me a 
table and a chair. After they were conveyed to the 
hall, I arranged my pictures on the table and took my 
seat behind them, feeling more like a culprit than any- 
thing else. 

Although it was a short time since I had commenced 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 61 

to canvass, and knew it was an honorable and legiti- 
mate business, still it seemed to me very much like beg- 
ging. As ladies and gentlemen would pass me, I 
would try in many ways to gain their attention, but I 
acted so awkward and out of place that I did not suc- 
ceed very well. 

Some would stop for a moment and admire the en- 
graving; few ladies would insist upon their husbands 
buying, but I scarcely took any orders. 

I soon found it was not the place for me ; if I wish 
to sell anything I must get out among the crowd. 

Standing close to the entrance, I tackled every one 
I would see, something after the fashion of a little 
news-boy. 

" Ladies and gentlemen, here's a fine engraving of 
G-eneral Grant and family," insisting upon one and all, 
who stopped to look at it for a moment, to subscribe. 
In the afternoon as I was going around among the ma- 
chinery, I overheard an old man, who had a patent 
wash-boiler, " and I suppose feeling very important," say 
to one of the superintendents of the Fair, as he passed 
by him, " Why do you allow that woman around here 
with that picture, trying to get everyone's attention; 
why, a minute ago, while a gentleman was looking at 
the boiler ; she had the impudence to ask him to patron- 
ize her." 

He answered, "This is a free country, and as she 
don't seem to be doing any harm, she has as much 
right in here as any one else." At this the patent 
boiler man seemed to become a little embarrassed, but 
made no reply. In the evening I attended the Fair as 
a spectator, not as peddler. 

I could not help but notice everything was arranged 
with good taste. I think there were the finest and 



62 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

largest apples, pears and grapes I ever saw. The 
canned fruit and jollies, in glass jars and tumblers, 
looked very inviting. 

I stopped to examine the needle-work, wax-flowers, 
and paintings. The most interesting of all to me was 
the silk worms. I listened to the man in charge, 
while he explained their habits and customs, and could 
not help looking on them with curiosity, to think that 
mulberry leaves could be converted into material for 
our finest silk fabrics through the agency of these 
homely-looking worms. 

The next day 1 went around to the Court House. 
The officers were all very kind and polite. I received 
several orders. During the day I visited many offices 
and stores; being very successful, Mrs. M., the landlady, 
told me in the evening she thought I would do well to 
go to the Fair that night and take my picture. I did 
so, and had quite good success, taking orders for sev- 
eral of '• Lincoln and Family," '^ Washington and Fam- 
ily," also of the "Grant Family," saying they wished a 
group of the three great men of the United States. 
In the evening, I heard some one talking about a gen- 
tleman who had small photographs of different varie- 
ties, and a book written by himself. I inquired 
whether he was in the hall, and was told he had a 
small space at the far end of the building. I con- 
cluded to go and see him; when I came quite close to 
him the thought struck me to stand and watch his 
manner of doing the business. 

He was standing, with, his books and pictures lying 
on an oval table in front of him ; they were arranged 
neatly, and showed well. I listened to his fast talk in 
recommending his goods; my thoughts were, " I '11 have 
no chance while this gentleman's aroimd." 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 63 

1 stepped up to bistable; be turned politely and 
commenced urging me to buy. I told bim I did not 
wisb CO purcbase, as I was in tbe same occupation. I 
told bim, upon inquiry, wbat subject I bad. He said 
be bad seen tbe engraving; it was very fine, and boped 
I would be successful. I thanked bim and wislied bim 
tbe same. I learned afterward bis name was D — . 

Wben I returned to my seat again, I found one of 
tbe ladies wbo bad cbarge of tbe sewing-macbines try- 
ing ber best to sell one of tbe pictures. I belped her 
to close tbe bargain, and thanked ber very much for 
the interest she bad taken. It being late, I returned 
to tbe boarding-bouse, well pleased with my day's la- 
bor. 

I continued my work there for several days longer, 
tben returned to San Francisco; next day, after my 
arrival, I went down to Bancroft's. I showed Mr. S. 
my order-book, with which be seemed to be well 
pleased, saying, " You have done splendid." I thought 
so, too, as I had taken sixty orders during my absence. 
He told me the engravings of tbe Grant family bad 
comC; and I could commence delivering that day if I 
wished; counting out as many as I could conveniently 
carry, I left tbe store and went up Montgomery street. 
Using my order-book for a guide, 1 called on each one 
in succession wbo bad subscribed; they all treated me 
kindly, taking their engraving, and some gave me or- 
ders for frames, on which I also made quite a good 
commission. 

In this way, I worked very hard all da}'; as fast as 
one lot was delivered, would return to the store for a 
fresh supply. I now began to realize that taking or- 
ders for pictures, and delivering them were quite dif- 
ferent things, tbe latter being very laborious. 



64 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

I continued to work for several days, as I was in 
much need of the commission I was to get on them. 
At the same time, felt anxious to deliver as many as 
possible each day, so that my employers should have 
no cause of complaint. 

I now began to think about looking up a house, so 
that we might go to house-keeping again. After some 
difficulty, I procured rooms on Fourth street, near 
Howard. 

This morning I had concluded to go down into the 
City and buy some furniture, for the purpose of fitting 
up my rooms. I had just got my little girl ready for 
school, and about to put on my hat and shawl to start 
on my errand, when the house commenced rocking and 
shaking at an alarming rate; my little girl said, " Mam- 
ma, what is the matter ?" 

The cars never shook the house so before. The Polly 
was flying around in her cage, and seemed very much 
frightened. I did not realize myself what it was, un- 
til the second shock, then I exclaimed '' Oh, this must 
be an earthquake, let us run into the street." We 
started, she gathering the cage in her hand containing 
the Polly. As we passed through the hall, I heard 
the whatnot fall in the ladies' parlor, breaking the vases 
and other things on it, and making quite a noise. Be- 
fore we got clear of the house, an old wardrobe stand- 
ing in the hall fell behind us with a great crash ; then 
I thought surehj the house was coming down on our 
heads, and expected every instant to be crushed to 
death. 

But amid all the danger and confusion, as I passed 
through the hall by the landlady's room-door, I could 
not help noticing her, lying full length on the floor 
throwing her hands wildly about, exclaiming, " Oh 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 65 

Lord, save us, Oh Lord, save us,'' at the top of her 
voice. 

When we reached the street, the sidewalk seemed 
to be still moving. We hurried down the platform to- 
ward the baggage-room in search of my husband, who 
had gone there but a few moments before. I found 
him standing in the door-way laughing. I said, " How 
can you laugh at anything so terrible as this ?" He re- 
plied, he " could not help laughing to see those piles 
of lumber in front of the office dancing;" also said^ 
'' that as far as that was concerned, if the earthquake 
was going to sink the City, he did not see why we 
might not as well go down laughing as crying, as cry- 
ing would not save us." 

Many gentlemen came into the office laughing, talk- 
ing and jesting about the earthquake, which seemed 
to me to be perfect mockery, for from my feelings 
then, I thought at every shock we should all be swal- 
lowed up. 

I often smile now to myself when I think how ridic- 
ulous I must have appeared that morning, running 
down the platform with my hat in my hand, my shawl 
dragging, and almost crying; my little girl closely fol- 
fowing, dragging after her the large cage with the Polly 
in it. 

I stayed around the platform all day, and no one 
could persuade me to go into the house, until night 
drove me there. Then I lay down with all my clothes 
on, ready to run at any moment, and wished myself 
back in Ohio a thousand and one times. 

It was two days before I could get up sufficient 
courage to venture up into the City to commence 
work again. I selected furniture for our rooms, and 
moved what few traps we had at the restaurant, and once 



66 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

more commenced house-keeping. Everything passed 
off pleasantly for two weeks, with plenty of work and 
liberal patronage. 



CHAPTER YII. 

I now concluded to go to Santa Clara and canvass 
that town, before delivering my pictures in San Jose. 
Eight o'clock in the evening found me seated in the 
ladies' parlor at the hotel, conversing with the landlord 
concerning the severe shock of earthquake we had two 
weeks previous. 

He explained to me how the sliding iron doors of 
the hotel had come together, and he thought had shut 
them in at first, but as the convulsion ol the earth con- 
tinued, they opened again, and allowed the inmates to 
pass out into the street, which they were not long in 
doing. The shock was so severe, that they had appre- 
hensions the house would fall before they could es- 
cape. 

After conversing awhile on different subjects, he 
bade me good evening and went below. As I passed 
through the hall on the way to my room, noticed the 
ceiling was bare in some places where the plastering 
had fallen off; the walls were badly cracked. Taking 
a light from the stand, I went into my room almost 
fearing to lock the door, lest another shock might 
come, and I could not escape. 

I thought, if the Lord spared me, I would not stay 
another night in a brick house. I had partially un- 
dressed when the house commenced shaking. Frightened 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 67 

all but to death, 1 scarcely knew what to do; but found 
myself in the door-way with the candle in my hand, 
thinking I must not go into the street in this condi- 
tion. There came a second shock. I blew out the 
light, threw it on the floor, and rushed into the street, 
not caring how I appeared. It was full of people. 
Some of them looked at me curiously; but I drew my 
shawl close about me and stood my ground, nor could 
I be persuaded to return to m}' room. The clerk 
brought me my shoes and baggage, and took me where 
he knew I could obtain lodgings, to a lady's, a few doors 
away. She gladly offered me shelter, as her husband 
was away from home, and she was very lonely. 

There were several light shocks after I had been 
there. Next morning, many joked me about my ap- 
pearance the evening previous, especially Mr. W., who 
said he never would forget how comical and frightened 
I looked. 

During the day I took several orders, sold a great 
many and received the coin for them. 1 had taken 
some eleven or twelve to Santa Clara with me. I 
made arrangements to stay with the lady until I should 
leave town, so I went back and spent the night. 

After breakfast, I started for Mrs. W's., who lived a 
half or three-quarters of a mile trom town. I found 
her and husband living on a fruit ranch. She did not 
recognize me at first. 

I told her I had brought the picture she had sub- 
scribed for one evening, at the Fair in San Jose. She 
remembered it, took the Grant picture, and gave me 
an order for the engravings of Washington and Lin- 
coln's families. She gave me some choice pears, grapes, 
and a piece of pie, insisting upon my eating them, as 
she said I looked very tired. Everything in and around 



68 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

the house, so far as I could see, showed a neat and tidy 
housewife. I promised to bring the engravings in a 
short time, also thanked her for her kindness, and re- 
turned to Santa Clara. 

After lunch I started out along the Alameda, toward 
San Jose. I had sold all the engravings I had brought 
with me, so I made up my mind to call at every house 
and take orders, to be delivered in two weeks. The 
houses were very scattering, and I found it slow and 
tiresome work; but I enjoyed walking in the shade of 
those stately old trees that line either side of that fa- 
vorite resort of San Jose and Santa Clara for driving. 
It reminded me of portions of Bourbon. County, Ken- 
tucky. In that county is one of the dearest spots on 
earth to me, for it was my childhood home. I came to 
the place where they were about to establish the de- 
pot of the Santa Clara and San Jose street railroad. 
Here were several gentlemen collected. Among them 
was one without a coat, who did not seem to be 
working very hard, although the perspiration v7as 
streaming down his face. I did not wonder at it, he 
was so large and fleshy; he reminded me of the dar- 
key song, "he's tree foot one way, six foot tudder, and 
weighs tree hundred pounds," and as for his coat, it 
was nowhere around. 

However, I ventured up and addressed him, un- 
rolled the engraving for his inspection; he looked up. 
politely bowed, viewed it for some time, occasionally 
wiping the perspiration from his face with his hand. 

Turning his head to one side he laughed jovially, and 
said, " Old Grant is no favorite of mine; but if you 
will bring me a good engraving of his Indian family I 
will buy it. Will you ?" I replied, " The demand for 
such an engraving seems so great I certainly shall or- 



AS A BOOR AGENT. 69 

der some for the accommodation of people of such 
refined taste." 

Then the three hundred pounds looked at me 
sharply, as much as to say, " I don't sabe," but I kept 
a very grave look on my face, and said, " I shall most 
assuredly bring you a picture of the kind you desire, 
and shall expect you to take it off my hands." 

I showed the engraving to a number of other gentle- 
men standing around, and insisted upon their buying 
it, but did not get a single order. 

I bid them good day, and took up my line of march 
toward San Jose. It was now getting late, so I did 
not stop at any more houses, but hurried on, until I 
reached the Morgan House, on First street; here I 
partook of a light supper, went to my room very tired, 
having walked about six miles during the day. 

Next morning I arose not much refreshed, partctok: 
a hasty breakfast, and visited the Express Office; found; 
my package of engravings all right; had them semt.up. 
to the hotel, where I soon followed. 

I found Bancroft's had also sent a number of small i 
engravings on different subjects. Taking an armful of 
the Grant pictures, I started out to fill my orders in , 
this place. 

I worked very hard for several days, and with :good 
success, selling a great many small ones, and taking 
orders for Grant, Lincoln, and Washington . families. 
I had now canvassed the business part of the town . 
thoroughly, and made up my mind to try what success 
I would have among the private families. Many la- 
dies had been recommended to me. as being very libe- • y^ 
ral, and believed in patronizing their own sex; so I , 
concluded to make one of them my.first; vkjtim. 

She lived several blocks from^. the business part of .' 
7 



70 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

the town; while on my way I had plenty of time for 
reflecting, and wondered how I should be received, as 
this was my first effort to canvass among the ladies. 

My somewhat long walk brought me in front of the 
residence of my intended first victim, who was the dash- 
ing widow of the lately deceased Mr. , as I shall call 

her. I opened the gate and passed in through the 
neatly laid out and well-kept grounds. 

I passed up to the front door, and timidly pulled 
the bell, and waited for the appearance of the 
servant, or I thought, maybe the lady herself might 
appear to admit me, and perhaps might invite me in- 
to her parlor, and might even go so far as ask me to 
stay for tea, as ii was getting late in the afternoon. 

After waiting sometime, with as much bashfulness 
as a young miss of sixteen awaiting her first beau, the 
(door opened just sufficient for the dashing widow to 
see who the intruder was; instead of the cordial liand- 
•shaking and hearty welcome I had expected, while 
.awaiting her appearance the first w^ords that greeted 
:my ears were, " What is wanted. Madam?" at the same 
time holding a tight grip on the door, I suppose lest 
'I might burst it open, rush past her and take 
>the castle by storm. I had no su'^h intentions, but 
politely lold her I had a very fine engraving of Gen- 
*-eral Grant and family; would like her to look at it, 
• and perhaps could induce her to buy. 

She said she had no use for such things and had 
no money to fool away for such purposes; still keep- 
ing her' hold on the door, which was so nearly closed I 
'did not get a full view of her august person. This 
liberal lady, I learned, was a leading member of one of 
the fashionable churches, and gave quite freely of her 
wealth, whenever an opportunity offered for it to be 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 71 

proclaimod publicly that the dashing widow had given 
hundreds for such, and such, a charitable purpose. 

I had always been used to civil treatment from my 
own sex at least, and turned away with disgust from 
this, what the world calls a liberal ladij, and must con- 
fess with scarcely sufficient courage left to call on an- 
other of the same liberal reputation. 

When I reached Mrs. J — I concluded to go in . She 
also was a descendant of the same family, but I found 
her very different, treating me kindly and politely, con- 
ducting me into the parlor, and inviting me to rest my- 
self, while she examined the engravings. After looking 
them all over, she stepped into another room, and 
brought out an engraving of the Grant family, which 
her husband had purchased of me a few days previous. 

We conversed awhile, then thanking her for her 
kindness I bid her good nfternoon. 

As I passed down the street, I saw a new and neat 
house, and inquired of a boy, who lived there; was 
told by him Mrs. C — , whose husband was a buyer of 
grain. I went up the steps and rang the bell ; it was 
answered by Mrs. C — , in person; she is very nice look- 
ing, well dressed and a perfect lady in her manners, 
she cordially invited me in, and with her easy conver- 
sation made me feel quite at home. She examined 
the engravings and purchased two of the smaller ones. 
It was late and I returned to the hotel, concluding to 
take a new start next day. 

In the morning I set out for Gen. N — 's residence; this 
I found at quite a distance, but did not mind it much 
for the morning was pleasant, and the air balmy. 

When I reached the gate that led into his grounds, 
it was just nine o'clock. As I passed through the wide 
winding carriage-drive, thickly skirted on both sides 



72 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

with evergreens and ornamental trees, it looked dark 
and gloomy. I did not see his cottage until I was right 
upon it. The appearance of the dwelling outside is not 
in keeping with his grounds. 

After rapping at several of the doors, I did not find 
any one at home. I looked around me; saw at a distance 
the gardener; in answer to my inquiry, he told me the 
General and family were away. I asked his permission 
to go over the grounds, which he readily granted, thank- 
ing him, I started down the wide foot-path, bordered 
with flowers, and small shrubs of the choicest variety; 
now and then a tree thickly entwined with creeping 
vines. 

Sometimes I would see a narrow path leading off to 
the left, so thickly covered overhead with honeysuckle, 
making the entrance so low, I would have to stoop 
to see where it led A few yards away was a neat 
small summer-house, dark and gloomy looking as 
though it might be a romantic lover's retreat. I wan- 
dered on, passed over a rustic foot-bridge that spanned a 
small stream, while overhead were large weeping wil- 
lows, their branches dipping in the water beneath. 

I stepped back upon the bridge, for the spot seemed 
delightful, although gloomy. To the left was a small 
grove of weeping willows, while around and about 
them were many rustic seats. 

In front of them, on an elevation was a small artifi- 
cial lake, supplied by a flowing well; the waste water 
forming the stream beneath my feet. 

The wide path through which I had just come led 
to the hot-houses. I did not visit them, as my time 
was limited. Turning to the left, I passed around 
the lake, watched the numerous fishes playing in its 
waters, passed down the stone steps into the same 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 73 

dark drive I had first entered, out through the gate, and 
was once more on Santa Clara street. 

I now went out to Tenth street, down Tenth uniH I 

came to Mrs. Dr. S 's, whose husband raised fruit. 

T had met them one evening at the Fair, and prom- 
ised to call at their residence. I inquired of a small 
boy, who pointed out the house. They have a beauti- 
ful place. At the edges of the sidewalk around the 
grounds was planted maples, which are now large 
and stately trees. I noticed the yard was tastefully 
laid out; there were many choice flowers and shrubs. 
I crossed the porch and ruDg the bell. 

Mrs. S — answered the bell, recognized me, invited 
me in, bought three different engravings, and sent for 
her married daughter, who lived next door, to come 
and examine them. 

Mrs. F — , the daughter, purchased a few. They in- 
vited me to stay for lunch, which I gratefully accepted, 
as I wished to canvass that portion of the town in the af- 
ternoon. After lunch, thanking them for their hospi- 
tality, I started out, calling at every house in rotation. 
I was treated kindly and politely, and found the ladies 
very liberal. 

It was almost dark when I reached the hotel. In 
the morning I went in the direction of the San Jos^ 
Institute. It was quite cold ; by the time I reached Mrs. 
W — I was chilled through. She invited me into a 
neat sitting-room where there was a bright fire. 

Although she was a loidoiv and a lady of consider- 
able wealth, she condescended to treat me, a canvasser, 
with respect, and gave me her patronage, also a pair of 
warm gloves. 

Calling at several houses, and being in the vicinity 
of Judge D — 's residence, I concluded to call and ful- 



74 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

fill his order, given to me a few days previous, for a pic- 
ture of General Grant and family. 

His married daughter was sitting on the porch; she 
asked me to be seated while I told her my errand. 
She called her father, who came out, accompanied by 
his wife and youngest daughter. He took the engrav- 
ing. I found him and his daughters polite, but I 
must say his wife was rather abrupt in her manners. 

During the day I called on Mrs. C — , whose husband 
is a house-painter. A little girl of six or seven years 
answered the bell, a timid and very delicate looking 
child. I stepped inside; Mrs. C — came forward and 
offered me a chair. She took the roll of engravings 
and spread them out upon the table, telling her little 
girl to select two, as she would buy them for her. 

All the while they were examining them, I could 
not keep my eyes from Mrs. C — •; clad in a dark mus- 
lin dress, with a spotless linen collar, she looked more 
stylish than many others in the finest of fabrics. 
Though not strikingly handsome, still in every line of 
her features could be seen a true and noble woman. 

She looked like one who, if you could once gain 
her friendship, would be firm and steadfast; one who 
had a mind and will all her own, not ready to change 
with the slightest breeze. If the rough winds of ad- 
versity should sweep over you, sunshiny friends turn 
away, she would stand by you, and do all in her power 
ot shield you from its second blast. 

I have tried her, and now know I was not deceived. 
But to my subject. The little miss selected two of 
the engravings; thanking her, I hurried away, as I 
wished to see Mr. P — before the bank closed. I had 
a slight acquaintaince with him during the short time 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 75 

we resided in Siin Jose. He recognized me, and gave 
me an order for an engraving. I returned to the ho- 
tel, where I remained for the balance of the day. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
Gilroy. 

Next morning I took passage in the stage for Gilroy- 
The railroad was not completed any farther than San 
Jos6 at that time- 
There were several gentlemen in the stage; one of 
them bound for Hollister, where he had purchased a 
ranch. I was very much amused at his description of 
the fertile and rich soil in and about Hollister. 
^'"Why," said he, "anything in the world will grow 
there. Mr. H., that I purchased the ranch of, would 
always raise three large cabbage-heads from one stalk; 
also, said he raised a sweet potato, so large that the 
family of five made a good meal off of it, and all of 
them were very fond of sweet potatoes. He also raised 
a beet that was so large the first season he concluded 
to let it stand for two or three more ; until it grew so 
far out of the ground the wind broke it off, and it 
measured four feet across." That must have been a 
dead beat. 

Near the Eigliteen Mile House I saw a large flock 
of sheep, tended by a herder. When I first caught 
sight of them they were some distance away, feeding 
on an open plain, beyond a strip of woods. 

I inquired of dead heat what that was growing off to 
the left, pointing in that direction; he said he did not 
see anything growing; just then I saw them moving, 



76 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

and observed what they were ; by this time all the rest 
of the passengers were looking at them. I acknowl- 
edged myself sold, and joined in their merry laughter. 

We passed over several tracts of land covered with 
timber, among which were many live oaks, some of 
them very large and beautiful, with their wide-spread- 
ing branches covered with thick foliage, looking as 
though they might be a safe retreat for man or beast, 
and would protect them from a heavy fall of rain. 

We crossed the creek, and followed it for some lit- 
tle distance. The country around Gilroy seemed low 
and flat, as though it might be easily undulated in the 
rainy season. When we entered the town, I was 
surprised to see so small a place; but there were many 
new buildings going up, among them the Williams 
House; everything appeared brisk and lively. At this 
time there was but one hotel in the place. The stage 
drove up to the door. 

It was a long, rough building, with several live oaks 
in front, which made it look much more inviting than 
it would otherwise have done. 1 was shown into a 
room they called the parlor. It was very poorly fur- 
nished; but on the hearth a bright fire was blazing, 
which made the room have a cheerful appearance. 

In a corner were seated two ladies. I was not long 
in discovering they were Southern people. The 
youngest was trying to get the village school; the el- 
derly lady, her mother, was very communicative, and 
gave me her whole history in a short time. 

I sat and listened to her, and thought she would 
make a splendid agent, for she was such a fast talker 
in her way. She tried to find out my business in Gil- 
roy, but I did not give her any satisfaction. She 
would look at me sharply when I avoided her ques- 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 77 

tions, and finally tinned to her daughter, saying, "Sal, 
that poor critter is to be pitied, for she is mighty deaf, 
and not got much laming^ no how." 

She then crossed the room to the table, where I had 
laid my engravings, picked up the sample copy, took 
it close to the window, and put it to her eyes, as 
though she thought it was an opera glass, unrolled it, 
saying, "Humph! picture, hey?'' came to where I was 
sitting, held it up before mC; screamed in my ear, until 
it made me jump, " Peddling, I reckon." I looked at 
her in amazement, but made no reply. 

She returned to the window, saying, " That's mighty 
queer how she peddles; Sal, what's that thare reading ?" 
Sal took the engraving, looked at the name on the 
bottom, spelled it over two or three times, and finally 
drawled out, "Why, it's old Grant and family, the 
darned old thief." I thought to myself, you would 
make a splendid school-marm. 

The old lady stormed and capered around the room 
in such a manner, that 1 thought it time to interfere, 
for I was afraid she would tear the sample copy to 
pieces. She, at first, refused to give it to me, saying 
she " would burn the darned thing up." I told her it 
was not mine, that I was taking orders for Bancroft 
and Company; also, told her I, too, was a Southern 
woman, in reduced circumstances, and had to work 
for ,a living. She replied, " No, you ain't, you're a 
darned Yank, an impostor. There ware a heap on you 
going round in the Southern States, before the war, 
'tending to peddle, all the time stealing nigs." She 
came close to me again, shaking her head, " I know 
you ain't much, else you wouldn't played deaf." 

I replied, "Madam, you are mistaken; I did not 
say I was deaf, nor act as though I was. I did not 



78 



SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 



wish to answer your numerous questions, nor treat 
you impolitely, so I did not say anything." 

At this, she stormed at me in such a rough and un- 
ladylike manner, I think it best not to repeat what 
she said. I had intended not to go to my room until 
bedtime, for the evening was cold, and the warm fire 
felt very comfortable; but I could not endure her 
abuse, so I gathered up my traps and started for my 
room, laughing at her as I went, which seemed to en- 
rage her still more. 

When I entered the room, I locked and bolted the 
door, for fear she might follow me. When I awakened 
next morning, I heard the rain, as I thought, dripping 
from the branches of the trees on the roof of the 
house. The thoughts of having to wade around in the 
mud during the day made me feel anything but com- 
fortable. I arose and went to the window, and wag 
much relieved to find it nothing more than a heavy 
fog. 

After breakfast, I commenced to canvass, calling at 
every house. I found it to be a lively and bustling 
town, the citizens kind and very benevolent, giving 
me a liberal patronage. la the afternoon I called at 
the pastor's residence of the M. E. Church. There I 
met a lady from Marion County, Ohio, who was well 
acquainted with my father-in-law and family. She 
had been in California for many years, and lived on a 
ranch close to old Gilroy. We had a pleasant chat 
for some time. I promised to call and see her if I 
ever happened to be in that part of the country again. 
Bidding her good afternoon, I returned to the hotel. 

In the evening T made inquiries concerning my 
Southern friends^ and was told they had returned to 
their ranch, some fifteen miles from Gilroy. The ac- 



AS A. BOOK AGENT. 79 

complished young lady was not successful in getting 
the school. 

Next morning, early, found me in the stage, on my 
way for San Jose. Upon arriving there 1 took the 
cars for Mayfield. It is a small village in Santa Clara 
county, on the line of the railroad. 

As I went down the street, towards the hotel, many 
looked at me wonderingly, and then at the largo, long 
roll of engra^ ings I carried in my arms. I did not 
address any of them. 

When I looked around me, I saw many neat dwell- 
ings, with well laid-out grounds, which looked cosy 
and home-like. When I reached the hotel, the land- 
lady showed me into a neat, comfortable room. She 
seemed to be a jolly, kind-hearted woman, full of fun 
and quite witty. I told her I had come to canvass the 
place; she gave me all the information T desired. 

Taking my bundle, I started out; called at the sev- 
eral places of business, and had tolerable good success. 
I called on one gentleman I pitied very much; he had 
to use crutches. He told me he was a cripple, from 
rheumatism. Still he seemed energetic, and full of 
business, carrying on a drug-store and keeping the 
Post-office, and was contented and happy. He said, 
when I came around again, he would take Mark 
Twain's " Innocents Abroad," if I would bring it to 
him, as he was a great reader. I called at the black- 
smith shop, above his place. There was a man work- 
ing there, an apprentice, I think, who was so low as to 
be abusive and vulgar, forgetting he ever had a 
mother. 

He was a stout, raw-boned, thick-lipped, flat-nosed, 
tangle-haired, uncivilized creature, who depended 
mainly on his strength more than his brains to make 



80 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

his way through the world, and would just as lief strike 
a womansLS a man. With the exception of this ruffian, 
I was treated with the greatest of respect by all of the 
citizens of Mayfield ; and was more liberally patronized 
than I had expected from so small a place. 

I returned to the hotel well satisfied with my after- 
noon's work. Next morning I took the fii-st train for 
San Francisco. When I arrived there, I went directly 
to my home on Fourth street, where I remained for a 
week resting myself, as I was very tired and worn out. 
It was now late in the fall, and I was afraid the rainy 
season would set in, for I had to canvass Stockton, so 
I concluded to go at once. I called at Mr. Bancroft's 
and told Mr. S — my intentions. He offered no ob- 
jections, and showed me some new engravings they 
had; most of them were small and cheap; two of them 
were very pretty, entitled the " Sale of the Pet Lamb," 
and the '' Burial of the Pet Bird." 

I was not long in making a selection of those I 
thought would be most likely to sell; I told Mr. S — 
he could do them up and send them to me by express. 
I went to the wharf and took the boat lor Stockton. 
I had a severe headache, and laid down, so I did not 
see any of the country through which we passed By 
the time we arrived there I felt much better. I took 
a "bus" and told the driver to take me to the best 
hotel in town. I was soon in front of the St. Charles, 
and was shown into the ladies' parlor, a large, well- 
furnished room, with a bright fire in the grate. After 
warming myself for a few moments, I went to my room, 
which was very pleasant. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 81 



CHAPTER IX. 

Stockton. 

The next morning was Tuesday; I went to the Ex- 
press Office, where I found the engravings awaiting 
me. My first visit was to the printing offices, where 
I received a promise from the editors that they would 
give me a good notice. 

I then commenced to canvass the town; calling at 
every business house and office, up stairs and down. 
In this way I worked for two days. 

At this time I had finished the business part of the 
town. Friday and Saturday I canvassed among the 
ladies, and was well treated. 

I must say, that I found in Stockton as many 
kind and benevolent people as I have met anywhere. 
For all that, I was so homesick, I could not see a 
single spot in all the place that looked nice, much less 
beautiful. 

The editors, true to their promise, gave me an ex- 
cellent notice in their papers, and continued it for 
several days, which was of great service to me; and I 
here return my heartfelt thanks to them for their 
kindness. 

Sunday morning, when I went into the ladies' parlor, 
I found collected there quite a number of ladies and 
gentlemen. From their manner and appearances they 
deserved that title in full. 

I soon learned from their conversation that they 
were from Alabama. A number of gentlemen from 
the same neighborhood had come to California a year 
previous, and settled about a hundred miles from 



82 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

Stockton, where each had taken up a ranch and fixed 
houses and conveniences for their families. The lat- 
ter had just arrived the evening previous, and they 
had come down with their teams to meet them, and 
conve}' them to their new homes. 

It seemed hard to hear them talking of their old 
homes, back in the Southern States; how well improved 
and convenient they were; their husbands telling how 
rough and uncomfortable their new ones would be. 
There was one of the gentlemen they called Doctor, a 
tall, fine looking man, past the middle age, his hair 
quite gray. It seemed hard to see a man at his age 
have to give up a good home, and make a new begin- 
ning. 

His wife was a neat, stylish looking lady, much 
younger than himself, and I should judge was his sec- 
ond wife, from the different appearances of the chil 
dren ; some of them were very large and others small. 
In describing their new house to her, he said it was a low, 
rough, one story building, without even a loft. She 
replied, " How does that come ? At home there was a 
loft over the carriage-house." He answered, " I wish our 
new dwelling was half so comfortable as that same car- 
riage-liouse." 

Just then a negro girl, somewhere near eighteen 
years old, entered the room, carrying a sickly looking 
child, of about two years. She gave it to the Doctor's 
wife, saying, " Dis yer chile cries all de blessed time." 

They told the girl not to go away, as they wished to 
attend church, and wanted her to stay with the chil- 
dren. I saw no more of them, except when they came 
down to the dining-room to their meals. 

Monday morning all the wagons were in front of the 
door, many trunks and satchels were stored away; also. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 83 

provisions and some fiirming utensils. There were 
rough .seats prepared for the ladies. In a very short 
time everything was ready, and they began to move 
away. Many of the ladies said it was a new way of 
traveling, but they seemed happy and contented. 
I looked after them, and silently wished them much 
happiness and prosperity in their new homes. 

I no.v hurried into the street, determined to finish 
my work, and return home on the afternoon boat. In 
this I was very successful, as four o'clock, p. m., found 
me on board, bound for San Francisco. 

From the deck of the steamer I had a good view 
of the surrounding country, and was not very favor- 
ably impressed, as it seemed too low and marshy. 

Tiie river is very crooked. Sometimes I could see 
a small sail-boat, which looked to be in an entirely 
different direction from the one in which we were go- 
ing, when, all of a sudden, the first thing I would know 
the steamer was right alongside of it. The river was 
very low, and it was sometimes difficult for the 
boat to turn in the short bends. At a few places the 
steannfr stopped, but the towns were small. Nine 
o'clock, Tuesday morning, found me at home, figuring 
up how much I had made while I was away. And, to 
my great astonishment, I found I had made over one 
hundred dollars. 

For the next two weeks I worked in the city 
nothing of importance occurring during that period 
After that I concluded to take a run down to San Jos4 
and finish up my work there: from that place I wen 
to Santa Clara; also, went out in the country to Mrs 
W., and took her the Lincoln and Washington families 
pictures she had previously ordered; there I remained 
until after lunch, when T returned to Santa Clara, and 
went to the hotel. 



84 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

The landlord tried to joke me about the earthquake, 
telling me I had better not go inside, for fear of an- 
other. In reply I told him I thougiit his hair curled 
much tighter than it did before the last shock. That 
afternoon I returned to San Francisco. This being 
Friday, I remained at home until Monday morning. 

Half past four o'clock that afternoon found me on 
board the boat, bound for Stockton again. 

The bay was very rough, and the wind was so cold I 
could not stay long on deck ; but, from the window in 
the cabin below, I had quite a good view of the sur- 
rounding hills as we passed; they looked nice and 
green, as there had been o few slight showers. 

When I arrived in Stockton, I took a " bus" for the 
Eagle Hotel, as I had been told it was much cheaper 
than the St. Charles, and the fare was just as good; 
when we reached the Hotel, I must acknowledge it did 
not look very inviting from the outside. I was shown 
to a room at once; as I passed the ladies' parlor, and 
up the stairs, everything looked neat and tidy; once 
inside of my room, 1 found it very comfortable. 

Next morning I called at the City Attorney's ofi&ce. 
He treated me kindly ; during our conversation I 
learned he was a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and had 
taken the Rebecca degree. 

Taking my order-book for a guide, I called on all 
who had subscribed, filling my orders, and in some 
places, selling some small engravings in a liquor store. 
The proprietor insisted upon my drinking some wine; 
T thanked him, but declined. 

We had quite an argument on temperance, but I 
cannot tell which came out better. I started for the 
Flouring Mill. On the way, I noticed a policeman 



AS A BOOK ACxENT. 85 

following me, but did not care, as I knew I had not 
been guilty of any crime. 

At the Mill I offered the engraving for sale; when I 
came out the policeman stepped up to me, and said, 
"Madam, have you a license?" I told him no, that I 
did not require any. He replied, " You will have to 
come along with me, and we will see about that. If you 
don't come along peaceably, I will have to arrest you." 

I acknowledge I was angry, and somewhat frightened. 
I was then forty-three years old, and had never been 
in a lawsuit of any kind, and always had a great 
horror of them. I told him I would go with him to 
the City Attorney's office, for I knew he would see jus- 
tice done me. 

The policeman did not have much notion of going 
there. As I walked up the street, with him close 
beside me, also the usual battalion of urchins that are 
always ready to gather around when there is a disturb- 
ance of the peace, I was so hurt and mortified, that, by 
the time I reached the Attorney's Office, it was awhile 
before I could tell him of my situation, for weeping. 
He tried to cheer me with his kind words, saying he 
thought I did not require a license, but he would go 
and see the County Clerk. The policeman seemed be- 
wildered, and could not understand why the attorney 
should take such an interest in me. This was the 
second time the Rebecca degree had been beneficial. 

Bidding me remiin in his office, he went out, but 
soon returned, saying it was all right, I did not require 
a license; also, said the policeman ought to be made to 
pay me for the time I liad lo:it. I thanked him for 
his kindness, and went to the Hotel, for my mind was 
in no condition to battle with the rough trials of can- 



86 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

. Tn the morning I started for the Insane Asylum. 
It being pleasant, I concluded to walk. In the portion 
of the town through which I passed, I noticed some 
fine private residences and grounds. When I reached 
the Asylum, I was shown into the Doctor's office. He 
treated me kindly and gave me his patronage; also, 
permission to go through the Ladies' Department, and 
over the grounds. He sent one of the gentlemen at- 
tendants with me, telling him to introduce me to the 
Supervisoress, and she would show me through the 
building. Thanking him, we started out, and first 
went over the grounds belonging to the gentlemen's 
department. They were nicely laid out, with broad 
gravel walks, well shaded with natural and ornamental 
trees, bordered with flowers and shrubs. The columns 
of the porches were covered with creeping vines and 
ivy. On our way to the Ladies' Department, I saw 
quite a garden of small fruit and vegetables, which did 
great credit to the cultivators. In front of the build- 
ing there were also many very beautiful flower plots. 

In the hall, the gentleman requested one of the lady 
attendants to show me around, as the Supervisoress 
could not be found. We passsed up the stairs into a 
large hall, on either side of which were a row of rooms, 
containing each a bed and other necessary furniture. 
All was scrupulously clean. There were many ladies 
sitting around ; some of them looking very melancholy, 
with downcast eyes, seeming to be unconscious of any- 
thing that was passing; others were laughing and chat- 
ting, and looked and acted rationally. One of them 
came forward ; the attendant told me to speak to her, 
as she liked to be noticed. She was dressed in a 
gaudy manner, wearing a dress of highly colored silk, 
with heavy rich lace fastened about her head, and 
trailing on the floor. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 87 

The attendant said she had gone deranged about 
dress, and imagined she was a great queen. Bidding 
the imaginary queen good-day, I passed into a room 
at the end of the hall; inside, the walls and windows 
were completely covered with pictures, painted on dif- 
ferent pieces of paper, from two to eight inches square, 
in highly colored paints, in fantastical shapes. The lady 
artist was in bed, and looked very feeble. 

The attendant said she had gone insane while taking 
drawing lessons, and imagined herself a great painter. 
The attendant offered to take me to some of the rooms 
where the patients were violent. I thanked her, and 
said I did not wish to go. I have visited the Asylums 
in Lexington, Kentucky, and Columbus, Ohio. In 
each I saw many lady patients, and I must say of all 
the insane people I ever saw, there were not any of 
them had a good shaped head. The majority had very 
low foreheads. 

When we reached the hall below, I thanked the at- 
tendant and took my leave. As I passed out through 
the grounds, I could hear the screams of the raving 
maniacs, in both the ladies' and gentlemen's depart- 
ments. I then took a solemn vow that I would never 
again visit an Insane Asylum, unless I should be so un- 
fortunate as to have some friend or relative contined 
there. 



CHAPTER IX. 
San Francisco. 



On Friday I returned to San Francisco. It was now 
just one week before the Christmas holidays, and as I 



88 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

had worked faithfully for four months, I concluded to 
take a rest and make some preparations for them. 
They passed off very pleasantly. In walking around 
town, I was struck with the brilliant display of toys 
and eatables, which certainly give good spirits and 
light hearts to the community at large. I must can- 
didly admit, that in all the large cities I have been, I 
never saw so much good taste and cleanliness displayed 
in decorations as I have in San Francisco. 

On February the first, I commenced canvassing 
again, adding to my stock of engravings, " Washington 
Irving entertaining his literary friends at Sunnyside;" 
also three others, entitled, " Life's Day," " Morning," 
" Noon," and " Night." The three latter were very 
handsome for to be so cheap, and they made a fine 
group. 

I concluded to try among the private families. I 
called at many houses on Stockton, Powell and Sutter 
streets. At some of them it was impossible to see the 
lady of the house ; the impertinent servant girls would 
almost always shut the door in my face. At several 
places, where I would succeed in getting into the hall, 
the women would come to the head of the stairs, and 
in a very unladylike manner, holler, '' What is it you 
want?" After politely introducing myself and busi- 
ness, scarcely waiting until I had finished, they would 
say, " No, I don't want anything. Biddy^ show that 
woman out." Of course, I had no alternative but to 
leave. 

Working this way very faithfully for four weeks 
and getting but little patronage, and not even meeting 
with but very few that I would call hdies, I became so 
disgusted that I made up my mind I would never try 
the private families in this city again. I dislike very 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 89 

much to say anything against my own seH'^ afid when 
I am misused by them I feel it keenly. I can stand a 
rebuff from a gentleman much better, and with less 
pain ; for when I go canvassing amongst them, I look 
at it in a business point of view, and expect to meet 
many who will speak to me abruptly; but I must say, 
with but few exceptions, I have always been treated 
with a ver}^ great deal of kindness and respect among 
the gentlemen. 

After having remained at home for a few days, I 
started once more to try amongst the shipping. Here 
I met with good success, selling many engravings and 
taking many orders for " Mark Twain's Innocents 
Abroad." I had sufficient employment to keep me 
busy for several months amongst the shipping, wharf- 
ingers, and lumber-merchants. 

In this way I finished my first twelve months' can- 
vass, nothing ?>ir)re of importance occurring than I have 
already related. 

But one thing I must acknowledge, that if any one 
of my patrons had looked into my rooms the night 
previous to my starting to canvass, and had seen them 
one year from date, would say it was the best money 
they had ever spent for benevolent purposes. 

On August 15th, 1869, I concluded to actually turn 
book agent, in connection with two chromos, entitled, 
"Masonics' and Odd Fellows' Charts;" the title of the 
book was the " Mirror of New York," or, "Life and 
Sensation in and about the City." 

On the book , I was allowed south of Market street 
as my district; the charts I carried with me and sold 
on the spot, without having the trouble of going over 
the ground again. As my commission was very small, 
I was not restricted to any particular part of the city 



90 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

for them, so I traveled over the whole of it. This 
gave me steady employment for six months, and was 
the most pleasant canvass I ever made; not meeting 
with but very few rebuffs. I also had taken a great 
many orders for the book, and delivered them during 
that time. 

It was now the month of March, and Mr. Bancroft 
wished me to make another trip to San Jose, with a 
book entitled, " The Ladies of the White House." On 
the 4th of March, I commenced my canvass ni that 
place. Here I worked faithfully for two Weeks, and 
was very successful. Nearly every one I met seemed 
to recognize me, and treated me with a very great deal 
of respect. There was one old Judge, who looked up 
when I addressed him, and gruffly asked if I had any 
fiimily. I told him I had; he said, "You had better 
be at home, taking care of them, and not strolling 
about in this kind of a manner,'' adding an oath now 
and then, and off"ering to bet his old hat that I could 
neither make a loaf of bread, or wash and iron a shirt. 
I informed him very politely I could do both. He re- 
plied, " I would rather see it than hear tdl of it, as I 
doubt it veiy much." 

There were two or three other persons in his office 
at the time, who laughed very heartily when they 
considered he was getting the best of me; I, for the 
first time since I had commenced canvassing, made up 
my mind not to be beaten. Taking a chair, I seated 
myself close beside the Judge, saying, " I know you are 
an old bach, and likely a woman hater; but, still you 
must listen to me for a short time." I then explained 
to him the position I was placed in, and showed him 
the necessity of me having to canvass; I told him I 
was no strong-minded, woman's rights advocator, as 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 91 

that seemed to be his strong point of argument 
against me. I also said that a lady could he a lalij, and 
follow any kind of employment that was not too la- 
borious, and in the event of her having performed any 
duty as well as could possibly have been done by a 
man, she certainly ought to be as well remunerated 
for the same. 

After some lengthy discussion, for and against, I 
actually was successful in talking him into buying a 
book. When he had bought, and paid for it, he com- 
plimented me, by saying that there was not another 
woman in the State could have persuaded him to buy, 
so I felt proud of my success, and began to think that 
he was not such a woman-hater after all. 

The next morning found me seated in the Western 
Pacific R. R. cars bound for the so called city of Mil- 
pitas. When I arrived there, it reminded me of the 
old saying, that I could not see the town for the 
houses, which consisted of one hotel, two drinking 
saloons, one dry goods and grocery store, two black- 
smith shops, one harness making shop, and a iialf a 
dozen dwellings; but the citizens were all very kind 
and polite. 1 did not meet a person but who appear- 
ed, from their manners and conversation, to be a well 
bred class of people. Every thing around the hotel 
was very neat and clean. 

In this place I took some half a dozen orders, 
which I considered pretty well, for a small place. 

In the afternoon, 1 went to Washington's Corners. 
From San Jose to this place, along the line of the 
railroad I was delighted to see so many beautifully 
cultivated orchards, strawberry beds and vegetables, 
the land seeming to be adapted for that kind of 
cultiv^ation. I found Washington's Corners about the 



92 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

same size of a place as Milpitas, but the hotel had 
very few accommodations; still I found the landlord 
and landlady very pleasant people. 

I noticed a large building, the upper part of which 
was the Odd Fellows' and Masonic hall; I found that 
most of the citizens belonged to and were proud of the 
Orders. In this place I was liberally patronized. 

The next day I returned to San Francisco; calling 
at Mr. Bancroft's, Mr. S., the manager of the subscrip- 
tion department, told me he wished I would go to 
Sacramento with a new book, entitled " The Sights 
and Sensations of the National Capitol," a book de- 
scriptive of Washington City. 

The first Wednesday afternoon in April found me 
aboard the Sacramento boat. When we left the wharf, I 
was standing on the upper deck ; the bay was very calm, 
and from where I was, I had a good view of San Fran- 
cisco, Oakland, and the surrounding hills. The scene 
looked grand to me as it faded from view. About 
sunset we passed into the mouth of the Sacramento 
River. The shores looked very beautiful, and I felt 
sorry when the shades of evening spread their dark 
mantle o'er the earth, and hid them from my view. 

Soon after dark I retired to my state-room, and it 
was quite late in the morning when I awoke. It 
did not take me long to complete my toilet, as it 
was very simple. I went outside and inquired for 
some one whom I could hire to carry my satchel, and 
succeeded in getting a colored boy to take it to the 
corner of Ninth and L streets, as I had a letter of 
recommendation to a Mrs. W., whom I believed kept 
a boarding house. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 93 



CHAPTER X. 

Sacramento . 

Upon arriving there, and ascertaining that I could 
get board, I paid the darkey four bits for his services, 
being all tlie money I possessed in the world at that 
time; I did not feel much alarmed at this, for I had a 
half dozen copies of the work with me that I felt con- 
fident I could soon dispose of after breakfast, and had 
arranged to pay my board by the week. 

After taking possession of my room, which was very 
neat and comfortable, the lady invited me out to break- 
fast, where there were several boarders already seated. 
She introduced me to them, also to her husband, son 
and daughter. 

Partaking of a good breakfast, and having a short 
but pleasant conversation with many around the ta- 
ble, I returned to my room. Taking two books in 
my arms, I passed into the street, intending to call up- 
on a few that had been recommended firsts and as I 
went, I heard a few outside remark: " There goes an- 
other book agent." Being in a strange place, I must 
acknowledge I did not like the title. I called on four 
of the parties of my recommendations, and made a sale 
of my two books. I next visited the editors of the 
press, and was kindly received by both. In tlie morn- 
ing I was pleased to find, in their papers, a notice 
which tended to make my sojourn in that city both 
pleasant and beneficial. I now commenced a regular 
canvass of K street, calling on every person, working 
hard until night, not even stopping long enough to 
take lunch. I was very successful, and was treated 



94 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

kindly indeed. Keturning to my boarding house, 
where I spent a very pleasant evening with the land- 
lady and her daug'aters, I found them both agreeable 
and intelligent. 

The next day I visited the R. R. offices, and on 
making my appearance before the illustrious and 
distinguished Govenor S., T was treated with a very 
great deal of respect, and received permission from 
him to visit all of the offices, after having himself pat- 
tronized me. for which I tendered him my sincere 
thanks. I then called in every office, and among the 
numerous clerks; my order book will show evidence of 
their liberal patronage, for which I thanked thetn all 
very kindly. I here admit that Rail Road men, as a 
body, are a class that have treated me very politely, 
and with but one exception, have not been even abrupt 
m their manner; this fellow was in the employ of Mr. 
J., the superintendent of the road from Sacramento to 
Folsom. He was a baggage master, by the name of L. 
He came up to me, and offered to shake hands. With- 
out being impolite, I could not very well refuse, at the 
same time telling him that I did not remember ever 
meeting him before. With a hateful grin, he said, 
'' you cannot play that on me; didn't I see you in San 
Jose, the week before last, working on this same book ?" 
reaching his hand for the prospectus, which I refused 
to give him, saying, "you are very much mistaken, I 
loas in that place, but had a different book." 

'' I presume you take me for Mrs. B.," who was work- 
ing there on the same book. He answered, "you need 
not try to play such a game on me, as I know you are that 
Mrs. B. ; probably if you don't want to recognize me, 
you would recognize Mr. F., the engineer, if he would 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 95 

come around. Trobtibly, you will aho deny making a 
row between him and his wife, a few weeks ago," 

Finding it was impossible for me to convince him of 
his mistake, and seeing that he was a ruffian under the 
influence of liquor, and as I had tried hard to get away 
from him and his abuse, he persisted in following. 
At a little distance, I saw a Mr. J — ■, (I think a son of 
the Superintendent) who wore an emblem of Odd Fel- 
lowship, and was pleased to find that he had taken the 
Rebekah degree; and immediately inquired of me 
what assistance I needed. I told him my name and 
situation as best I could, for weeping. I pointed out 
to him the ruffian, who stood at some little distance. 
As he kind of left on seeing me approach Mr. J — , Mr. 
J — called to him, and told him he must necessarily 
be mistaken, as Mrs. J. W. L. must be a lady, or 
otherwise she would not be in possession of certain 
signs and pass- words. He also told him that if he did 
not at once beg the lady's pardon he would discharge 
him from his employ. 

The ruffian then came forward, and asked to be ex- 
cused. I told him it was freely granted, telling him 
at the same time I hoped, after this, he would treat 
every woman with respect, until he knew she deserved 
to be treated otherwise. I watched him sharply while 
we were talking; he did not seem to care for the in- 
sulting language he had used, but stood, with a half 
drunken idiotic grin on his countenance. I pitied 
him, for he looked as though he had not been raised 
at all, but was something like Topsy, groice<i up, along 
with a lot of other ruffians. 

Thanking Mr. J — for his interest in my behalf, 1 
bid him good-day, and started lor the railroad shops. 
In passing through the buildings, I insisted upon every 



96 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

gentleman I met to buy; was treated kindly, but re- 
ceived little patronage. 

As I returned to my boarding house, I stepped into 
the Chief of Police's Office. Here I was treated some- 
what abruptly by some loafers, who seemed to be just 
hanging around. The Chie fof Police subscribed for 
the book, and joked me some about having to pay li- 
cense. I next visited the Water Company's Office, 
which was in the same building. There were several 
gentlemen in the office, from whom I received liberal 
patronage. 

I then continued on my way to the boarding-house, 
tired in both body and mind. When once in my room, 
and reflecting over the occurrences of the day, I could 
not help weeping. I thought it was a great undertak- 
ing to be a book agent. I worked faithfully in Sac- 
ramento for three weeks, and was very successful. I 
also liked the place. A great many of the streets were 
beautifully shaded with large trees. There were many 
handsome private residences and fine grounds; large 
and commodious business houses, well filled with mer- 
chandise of all descriptions; also several well kept 
hotels. 

The Capitol, then in course of construction, had the 
appearance of being an elegant structure when com- 
pleted. There were but few of the rooms occupied, 
and they were yet incomplete. The officers were very 
kind, and each of them gave me their patronage. 

I made up my mind to return to San Francisco by 
the way of Davisville. The portion of the country 
through which the cars passed, from Sacramento to 
that place, was, most of it, low and marshy, many miles 
of the road being built on trestle work. At Davisville 
I remained over night. I found it a very small village. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 97 

In the morning I concluded to take a run down to 
Woodland; the journey had to be performed by stage; 
the country seemed to be well cultivated, and contained 
some splendid ranches. 

I found Woodland a beautiful inland town, of, I 
should judge, about two or three thousand inhabitants, 
who seemed to be a well raised and intelligent class of 
people, full of life and energy; every branch of busi- 
ness was well represented. Here I remained two days, 
meeting with great success among the ladies, for a won- 
der. 

I returned to Davisville, and finished my work; there 
I took the afternoon train for home. I passed through 
some fine looking country, also two small villages, 
which I was told were Fairfield and Suisun. 

As we went through Vallejo, but a small portion of 
the place could be seen. The railroad was some little 
distance from the central portion, and hills rising be- 
tween it and the town, hid it from view. The day 
after my arrival home I went to the store, where Mr. 
S. seemed very much pleased at my success while I 
was away, and wished me to go immediately to Santa 
Cruz, with the same work I had in San Jose, '"' The 
Ladies of the White House." I promised to go in a few 
days. 

The second Monday in May at half past twelve 
found me seated in the Santa Cruz stage, moving 
slowly away from Santa Clara. We passed some small 
fruit ranches ; further on large fields of grain, which 
looked as though they would yield abundantly ; we 
crossed a small creek, which reminded me of the 
streams in the Southern States, so clear and pellucid 
that every pebble could be plainly seen in its gravelly 
bed. After crossing this stream, the soil in appear- 



98 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

ance seemed to change to a reddish cast, and was not 
near so fertile ; and some places were covered with 
oak timber. 

Shortly after noon, we passed through a small place 
called Los Gatos, at the foot of the mountains ; here 
the stage stopped, while the mails were changed ; we 
started up again and passed over a rough bridge, after 
which we commenced to ascend the mountains. 
Three miles from Los Gatos the stage stopped at Lex- 
ington, for the passengers to take dinner. This small 
place, consisting of a hotel, blacksmith shop, stables 
where the the stage horses were kept, and a few dwell- 
ing houses, was built on a piece of table land on the 
side of the mountains. This is indeed a beautiful and 
picturesque spot. The horses were changed, the pas- 
sengers took their seats, and we were soon whirling up- 
ward along the side of the mountain again. 

In making the short turns where the road would be 
very narrow, on one side a deep canon, on the other 
the steep mountain, at times I feared the stage would 
overset into the yawning abyss below ; but the scenery 
was so grand and I became so absorbed in its beauty 
that my fears were only for a passing moment. 

The deep forests, with their tall redwoods and 
many varities of smaller trees ; while beneath their 
branches grew large quantities of ferns and flowers, 
with their many shades and tints. On nearing the 
top of the mountains were spots where the large trees 
were cleared away, and there would be a beautiful 
thicket, with here and there branches of wild lilacs, 
white and purple. In some places branches of the 
wild rose could be seen, with buds and flowers. From 
the time we commenced ascending the mountain until 
we reached the foot on the other side, the scenery 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 09 

was one of perfect sublimity. I think it would pay 
any one for their time and trouble to take a trip to 
Santa Cruz over the mountains, that they might see 
the beauties for themselves. 

It was past sunset when the stage drove up in front 
of the Santa Cruz House. Here I stopped. The out- 
side of the building looked old, and somewhat rough, 
but when I entered, I found it well kept; the rooms 
neat and comfortable. The table was provided with 
the best their market afforded. 1 was very much fa- 
tigued, and so retired to my room. Through my 
open window I could hear the sa:l, low murmurings of 
the sea, as its waves would break upon the shore, with 
their ceaseless motion. 

The next morning I inquired of the landlady con- 
cerning the citizens of Santa Cruz who she thought 
would be the most likely to patronize me. She re- 
commended me to Mrs. J — , saying she was a strong 
woman's rights advocator, and believed in helping her 
own sex; I told her I had not much faith in that sect, 
at the same time relating to her how I was misused 
by one of them in San Jose. 

She still insisted upon me calling on Mrs. J — , say- 
ing, that I would find hsv a perfect lady, and her name 
would be of great service to me in obtaining others. 
After receiving her proper address, a short walk 
brought me to her residence. 

She was a widow lady, and the grounds around her 
house showed her to be a woman of energy and good 
taste; as I passed up the wide gravel walk, I had some 
forebodings that she would not treat me pleasantly; the 
bell was answered by a more than middle aged lady, 
neatly dressed, and with a smiling countenance, until 
her eyes fell upon the books that I carried in my arms. 



100 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

Oh, horror! what a change came over her; her face 
was drawn into more than a thousand wrinkles, as she 
partially shut the door in my face, so that I could only 
see one eye, as she told me she supposed I was selling 
books, and that she had just bought one the day be- 
fore from one of you agents, and could not afford to 
spend money every day for books, all the time closing 
the door a little, while she was speaking, until it was 
finally closed in my face. She acted very much as if she 
was afraid of me. I left with the opinion she was not a 
lady, or at least did not act like one; and my fullest an- 
ticipations were realized, as to my being received by 
the so called woman's rights advocator. 

When once more I reached the street, I asked a 
small boy if I could get to the town by taking the 
street to the left; he replied in the affimative. After 
walking a few blocks, I found myself on the top of 
a hill that overlooked the town; I must say it 
looked rather picturesque and beautiful, lying, as it 
seemed, in a kind of basin, surrounded by hills ; the 
dwellings were very much scattered, and a great many 
of them were even built on the tops of the surround- 
ing hills. 

I passed down a long flight of steps, and by taking 
the first road to the left, I was soon in the business 
part of the town, and commenced canvassing the busi- 
ness men, vowing at the same time I would not try 
the ladies again in that place. I must say I was favor- 
ably impressed with the gentlemen of Santa Cruz, all 
treating me politely, and giving me liberal patronage. 
I spent a pleasant afternoon on the beach, in company 
with some ladies from the hotel. We also visited the 
light-house^ standing on a rocky point, jutting out in- 
to the sea. From the shore below this point looked 



AS A BOOr AGENT. 101 

very rough and rugged, the rock is high and straight, 
the breakers dash against it in a wild, tempestuous 
manner, even in a calm, showing the necessity of a 
beacon light to warn the approaching vessels of their 
danger in time of storm. 

1 returned to the hotel, and the next morning took 
the stage for San Jose. On arriving there, I went to 
see the Superintendent of the San Jose and Santa Cla- 
ra R. R., as I understood they wished to make a 
change in their advertising agent. I found him, and 
succeeded in making a bargain, I agreeing to pay him 
fifty dollars a month for the privilege of putting two 
rows of advertisements in the inside, and as many as 
I wished outside. 

I remained in San Jose several days, soliciting ad- 
vertisements, and was successful in obtaining about 
twenty, who signed an article of agreement to let them 
remain in one year. 

When I returned to San Francisco I called on K. 
& Company, also on Mr. M — , advertising agents, and 
learned from them the best plan of conducting the 
business. They recommended me to somewhere near 
thirty parties, who were then advertising with them, 
saying probably I could get their patronage. 

I obtained twenty of them, and through my oivn ex- 
ertions I succeeded in getting ten more. They all 
agreed to pay me from three to five dollars a month. 
Messrs. K. and M. gave me a great man}' advertise- 
ments, already printed, saving me that expense. I re- 
turned my sincere thanks to them for their kindness. 
Arranging everything satisfactorily, I returned to Santa 
Clara, where I worked steadily for a week, framing 
advertisements, and putting in a few at a time in the 
9 



102 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

car when it would stop in that place. In this way I 
managed until each was properly put up. I hired the 
drivers to keep them in order. Three parties in San 
Jose hired the outside of the cars, furnished their own 
signs, put them up, and agreed to keep them in order, 
for the privilege of which they payed me liberally. 

When I returned to San Francisco, I commenced 
working on Mark Twain's " Innocents Abroad," which 
had just been published. This was a very popular 
book. The City was divided into three districts, 
making two agents in the City beside myself. With 
them I had some trouble, as I did not understand 
their rules and regulations in the business; but the 
agents were persons meaning to do right, so we soon 
made every thing satisfactory. With this book I was 
very successful, working hard and steadily for three 
months on my territory in the City, with the excep- 
tion of a few days the first of each month, when I 
would stop, collect for the advertisements in the street 
cars, and go to San Jose one day, to settle with the 
company. 

About this time, some gentlemen persuaded my 
husband to join them in starting a factory, to manu- 
facture shoes, with Chinese labor. All worked well 
for a few months, when it failed, leaving us in debt. 
As to whose fault it was, I am not able to say ; but I 
felt the loss of that few hundred dollars more keenly 
than I did years ago, when many thousands were lost, 
for I had worked very hard for the few hundreds, try- 
ing to save enough to buy us a home. After closing 
my district in the City, I promised to canvass San 
Mateo and Santa Clara counties, for the same book. 
In the town of San Mateo I did not receive much 
patronage, as there was but little- business. But at the 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 103 

private residences, on the outskirts of the town, I sold 
a great many. The husbands of several of the ladies 
had already purchased the book in San Francisco. 

My next stopping point was Redwood City. Here 
I put up at Mr. A.'s hotel. During the afternoon I 
visited the lumber yard. In the office was a gentle- 
man, seeming to be very busy with the books. When 
I addressed him, I found him polite and agreeable. 
After conversing a few moment -,, he gave me an order 
for the book. In the evening, when I entered the 
dining-room, I noticed he was seated at the table. 
After dinner the landlady told me he was an old bach., 
and boarded there. " You just wait," she said, " I 
will have some fun with him. I will get some of the 
boys to help me in making him believe you are a 
widow lady, and try to get him to take you to the 
ball, which is to come off this evening." I told her I 
did not attend parties or balls while I was canvassing 
She inquired my name, and introduced me to said old 
bach, when he came out from dinner, and some one 
went so far as to tell him I was a widow ; still, we did 
not, for all that, get up much of a flirtation, nor fall 
desperately in love with each other, for I think he 
would not be so easily caught by a stranger, especially 
a hook agent. I know I did not wish to get rid of my 
husband; one man is trouble enough, without having 
two. 

In the morning I called upon Mrs C. Her house 
and grounds are as fine as any in the place. I found 
her neatly dressed, and a lady in manners. I knew, 
from her very countenance, she was a kind-hearted 
and noble woman. Thanking her for her patronage, I 
started for Mr. S.'s house; he was at home, and pur- 



104 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

chased the book J carried. His wife had every ap- 
pearance of being a perfect lady. 

I canvassed all the business men, and found them 
liberal and courteous, even to the colored " brodder," 
the barber. 

I remained at the hotel over night; ten o'clock next 
morning found me in San Jose. While working there, 
I met on the street one day a widower; he was a Mis- 
sourian, a fair specimen of southern chivalry, with 
light hair and blue eyes, which spoke volumes of love 
as they looked into mine. Using all the persuasive 
powers he possessed, which were not many, for me to 
accompany him to his ranch, a few miles from San 
Jose, he told me he knew I would make a good step- 
mother, for I was the mildest and pleasantest old maid 
he had ever met, and would give me a good home, 
so I would not have to go around the streets, peddling 
books for a living. While he was making this long, 
heart-smashing speech, I stood all attention, now and 
then smiling, which seemed to give him courage, for 
he was awfully bashful ; I could not tell whether he 
blushed or not, for when I first met him his face was 
so red from the effects of the tangle-log whisky he had 
drank. 

I told him my husband might object to his propo- 
sition. At this he seemed very much surprised, and 
said, "Why, are you married?" I told him I had 
been for seventeen years, to which he replied, " darn 
them fellows, they said you were an old maid, and on 
the marry." I told him he had better return to his 
jolly friends, and acknowledge himself sold; probably 
they would treat him, for after such a long love-mak- 
ing harangue, he must certainly be dry; bidding him 
good day, I continued my work. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 105 

When my business was completed in San Jose, I had 
sold sixty copies, which was doing well for that place. 
I hired a team to take me to Saratoga Springs. The 
country through which we drove was beautiful. Just 
this side of McCartersville we passed a grove where 
they were holding camp-meeting. The driver prom- 
ised the young miss that was accompanying us that he 
would stop as he came back; she never had been at a 
camp meeting, and wished to see the performance. 

At the village we stopped, and went through the 
paper mills. I was surprised to see what a good qual- 
ity of brown paper was made from straw. When we 
came outside, Mr K., the proprietor of the mill, in- 
troduced me to the ex-senator of Santa Clara CoLiity, 
who looked, from his dress, more like an exile than 
anything else, and from his swaying walk, as he passed 
to and fro in front of me, lofty manner, when he found 
I was a book agent. I know he had a very poor 
opinion of such lov/, degraded creatures, that go stroll- 
ing around the country peddling books. I saw he 
kept his eye on all he possessed, as though he was 
afraid I might run away with the rocky hills, small 
bottom land, carrying along with me the grist mill, 
dry goods store, and rob him of the title of post- 
master. We drove away, leaving him still lord of all 
he surveyed. 

As we passed up the canon, the scenery was beauti- 
ful. When we reached Saratoga, Congress Hall was de- 
serted, for it was too late in the season for visitors. 

The proprietor of the hall at this time, was Mr. U. 
His mother was also stopping there, for the benefit of 
her health, as she was almost gone with consumption. 
In a few weeks after I was there, she returned to Santa 
Clara, where she died in a short time. 



106 SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 

The Springs were quite a distance from the hall, so 
we drove over to them. We crossed a beautiful stream 
of water, and commenced ascending the hill. The 
road was very good, while on either side was a thick 
forest. While riding along, a gurgling sound could be 
heard, as the water passed over its rugged and stony 
bed. 

When we had nearly reached the Springs, we came 
in sight of a rough building, where men were bottling 
the water, preparatory to its being shipped throughout 
the country. The Springs looked as though they re- 
ceived little or no care. The nature of the water is 
too well known to need any explanation from me. 
I cannot say I liked the taste of it. As I wandered 
around this wild and romantic place, although not 
having such a renowned reputation as the Saratoga in 
New York, I thought it, in its quiet, natural state, a 
more suitable place for invalids and persons wishing to 
get away from the cares of business, and noisy confu- 
sion of a large city, than that bustling fashionable re- 
sort. 

On returning to Santa Clara, we stopped at the 
camp meeting. It was held in a beautiful grove. As 
I looked at the minister's rough pulpit, the rows of 
seats, the tents, wagons and smaller vehicles, it all had 
the effect of making me homesick. It reminded me 
how often my dear mother, who has for many years 
slept in her quiet grave, when I was a child, would 
take me once a year to camp meeting, for she was a 
Methodist; not the kind of to-day, who go to church 
to show their new dresses or fine bonnets, but a plain, 
old fashioned, true Christian, one who lived up to what 
she professed, and tried to rear me, her only child and 
idol, to follow in her footsteps; but I frankly confess. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 107 

although I have never forgotten her counsel and ad- 
vice, I am far from being the woman she was. 

I remember once attending camp meeting in Ohio 
with my husband. There were a few mischievous fel- 
lows, who had been making a great deal of disturbance 
in the evenings. One of the ministers said he be- 
lieved he could find out who they were, so he watched 
them closely, until he caught them at some of their 
pranks. He was a revivalist, and very popular. He 
went among them, and putting his arms around their 
necks, insisted upon their coming up to the altar to be 
prayed for, at the same time making long chalk marks 
on their backs, thinking it was too dark in that por- 
tion of the ground for them to discover what he had 
done; but they by some means discovered it, and suc- 
ceeded in chalking him. without his knowledge. 

The next morning, when services began, this minis- 
ter arose, and said the roughs that were causing the 
disturbances would be known by the chalk marks on 
their backs ; at the same time, he turned to sit down ; 
on his back were two or three long white marks; all that 
saw them roared with laughter, for not another per- 
son on the grounds could be found so marked; after 
that he went by the name of the " Rough Revivalist." 

I stopped in Santa Clara for a few days. I had 
now been in this place at all seasons of the year, and 
think the climate cannot be excelled anywhere. As 
Mr. C. keeps a first class hotel through the Summer, he 
cannot find accommodations for all the persons making 
applications for board. When I reached the house, I 
found Col. Albert Evans waiting for me, to take hold 
of his work in the city, entitled " Our Sister Repub- 
lic." With this I was very successful, and all treated 
me pleasantly, for he had many friends. This book 
gave me employment until the holidays. 



108 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

CHAPTER XI. 
Keturn to San Francisco. 

In February, 1871, I concluded to sell out the ad- 
vertisements in the street cars, and start a boarding 
and lodging house. It was the worst move I ever 
made. I rented a house on Minna street, between 
Eleventh and Twelfth, suitable for that purpose. I 
started with six boarders, but in one month's time I 
knew I could not make anything. I hired a Chinese 
boy, and tried canvassing and keeping boarders, to- 
gether. I found it a laborious business; still I kept it 
up for a year. 

During that period, I worked in all parts of the 
city, on several books; among them, "Knots Uniied," 
a work written by a New York detective ; " Garnered 
Sheaves/' by Richardson; "Poetry and Songs," by 
William Cullen Bryant; " Cuba, with Pen and Pencil;" 
''Life of Barnum," and "Woman's Pilgrimage in the 
Holy Land." 

While I was canvassing for " Garnered Sheaves," on 
Stewart street, I called in at one of the piers. As 
there were a great many ladies canvassing, by this 
time the men began to be more cheeky. Mr. P — 
joked me very roughly ; so much so, I could not help 
weeping. He asked my pardon, but I must allow it 
was not very freely given. On the corner of Folsom 
and Spear streets I received five orders the same af- 
ternoon, which helped to cheer my drooping spirits. 

While I was canvassing for the " Life of Barnum," 
on California street, I went down three or four steps 
into a large room, where there were quite a number 
of little offices, divided by railings, each containing a 
desk and one or two chairs. In the farther end of 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 109 

the room was one quite large office, with four or five 
men in it. I will not call them gentlemen ; they do 
not deserve that title. 

When I first entered, I noticed them whispering, 
looking toward me, blinking and winking, as though 
they thought I was very green, and they could play 
almost any kind of a prank upon me. When I went 
up to them, one took m}^ order book from my hand 
very impolitely, looked it all through, saying, " Barnum 
is an old humbug; still my friends and I will each take 
a copy, to help you along. We are all friends, and 
strangers in the city, and will not remain but a few 
days. Will you bring the books to oar rooms, and 
can you bring them immediately?" I told him the 
books were ready to be delivered right away. I would 
comply with his request, providing he would give me 
the dh^ections. Two of them pretended to sign their 
names in my order book. One's address was the Cos- 
mopolitan, the other the Occidental Hotel. 

I felt confident at once they were fictitious names ; 
but I thanked them all the same, thinking inwardly, 
you will find I am not so green after all. I stopped 
at several of the other smaller offices. As I left the 
room and passed up the steps, one of the pretended 
gentlemen, who had not signed for the book, was 
standing outside, and said, *' Madam, if you will tell 
me where you live, I will call at the house and buy a 
book." I told him I lived in San Francisco. He re- 
plied, "Well, I declare, that is satisfactory." "It 
is all the satisfaction you will get from me, sir," and 
I passed on. 

I went directly to the hotels, and found no such 
persons stopping there. I was very much annoyed, 
and studied for some time what course to pursue. I 
made up my mind to find out their real names, and 



110 SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 

compel them to take the books, if there was any law 
to do so. In three hours from that time I knew who 
they were; as to who gave me the information, it is no 
fellow's business. I secured four copies of the books, 
in two styles of binding, and watched the office for 
several days before I could catch them all in. When 
I did, I marched through the room, with my four 
books, into their office. I addressed them politely, 
calling them by their right names, saying, " You men- 
tioned no style of bindiug, so I have brought both ; 
you can take your choice." 

They seemed very much confused, made several ef- 
forts to say something, but did not succeed. They 
took the lest binding, and paid me for them, all the 
time trying to laugh; said one of them, ''You are a 
Yankee woman, sure enough." I told him he was 
very much mistaken, for I was a Southerner, and was 
now even with them. Feeling as though I was vic- 
torious, I left the room. 

In January, 1872, jSnding I could not make 
anything keeping boarders and lodgers, I sold 
a portion of my furniture, and moved into a 
smaller house in Hayes Valley. There were two of the 
boarders I could not get rid of ; they said they would 
be no trouble ; so I kept them. 

On the first of March I called in Mr. Roman's book- 
store, to secure territory for Mark Twain's book, 
" Roughing It." They gave me Santa Clara county, and 
a portion of the City. The book was not expected 
from the East for several days ; so I worked on mis- 
cellaneous books until its arrival. 

One day, when I was in the Subscription Department 
at Roman's, I was introduced to two ladies, one of them 
medium size, the other very small. When I learned 



AS A BOOK AGENT. Ill 

they were canvassers, just starting in the business, I 
pitied them, although they looked smart enough to 
fight their own battles ; for I knew the trials they 
would have to contend with. 

When I commenced on Mark Train's "Roughing It," I 
found the small lady had the district in the City ad- 
joining mine. There was an M. B. we both had to con- 
tend with ; his district was one side of Market, and 
one of Mission, from the Bay to Sixteenth street. 
Instead of working on his own district, he was like a 
wandering Jew, all over creation, and caused me to 
receive a great deal of abuse ; when I contended for 
my rights, I foiuid a great many in my district who 
had patronized him ; they told me he came into their 
offices, which were man}^ of them four or five blocks 
from his territory, to obtain their orders, and they 
could not very well refuse him, as he was a friend of 
theirs. It grieved me very much to think he would 
act so, when he knew my circumstances, and I had 
taken him for an honest gentleman. 

While I was working on this same book, I called in 
a store where there were two proprietors. As I entered , 
one was standing in the door-way ; when I asked him 
to buy, he gruffly said, "I don't want any books." I 
passed him and went inside, which I suppose was very 
unladylike, and had the impudence to ask oae of the 
clerks to buy ; while I was speaking to him, the other 
proprietor stepped up to me, saying, "What inh — 1 are 
you doing here? You had better get out, or I will show 
you the door ; there are getting to be too many of you 
women strolling around, but it is only an excuse to 
get amongst the men. You are getting most too old; 
you won't stand much show in picking up a man to live 
withy 



112 SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 

I stood my ground, and did not fall on my knees at 
his majesty's feet, nor ask his pardon for entering his 
store ■ but straightened myself to my fullest height, 
and took a bird's eye view of him, as he stood with 
his hands crammed in his pants' pockets, with a thou- 
sand frowns upon his countenance, looking as though 
he would like to devour me ; he was very tall, round 
shouldered, and light complexioned. As I could not 
imitate him by putting my hands in my pockets, as I 
had but one, I deliberately laid my order-book dovvn, 
and folded my arms, still continuing my view, when 
he said again, '' get out of my store, you trollop." I an- 
swered, " You will please to give me a little time, and I 
will. I wish to see if you are a man. or a brute ; you 
look something like a man ; you have his form and 
image, if you wouldn't wrinkle your face so much ; 
still your actions are certainly brutal." I took up my 
order-book, and started for the door ; when on the 
steps I turned and told him I already had a husband, 
and knew how to appreciate him, for he was a gentle- 
man; even if I had none, he need not be afraid, for I 
would not trouble him. 

I had much to annoy me, notwithstanding this was 
the most salable book I had ever worked on. In 
many of the stores on Front street, I took from three 
to five orders a day. In canvassing Battery street, I 
went up stairs in a building occupied by Government 
employees. In the front room were half a dozen 
gentlemen, who treated me kindly, but said when I in- 
sisted upon their buying a book, " I cannot; my wages 
are too small, and I do not feel able. I passed into 
the office. There was a gentleman I will call Mr. 
W., who had patronized me heretofore. Off from this 
room was a small private office; the door was open; 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 113 

seated inside was a gentleman, whom I politely asked 
to subscribe for Mark Twain's '' Roughing It." He 
said, '' I would be pleased to do so, to assist you, but 
I have already subscribed for a CDpy." "You will 
please to excuse me, sir," I replied, " but where did 
you buy, and who of?" He had not time to reply, 
when I heard a peculiar noise, something like a big 
bull-frog croaking. I looked around, wondering how 
it came in the room. There I beheld, seated in a 
chair at a desk, a being, something in the form of a 
man, but in reality looking more like a frog; for he 
seemed to hold his breath, and swell himself up after 
the frog fashion, blinked his eye, scowled his face, and 
croaked out, " What in the h — d — m — is it your 
business, where he got the book ? Any one has as 
much right in this city as you have. You surely do 
not think you are going to run it. There are a d — m 
sight of you woman going around. Pretty soon you 
will be wearing the breeches. You seem to be one 
of them, that think a man has no rights at all. I can 
tell you d — m plainly where he bought the book; it 
was in this office, and I bought one too from a Mr. 
B — , and it is none of your d — d business." I tried 
to explain to him how the territory was divided; it 
only seemed to enrage him the more, to think /would 
dare to speak in the presence of the majestic frog. 
He held his breath again, swelling up his jaws, and 
whirling around in his chair, when I was much sur- 
prised to see he wore two emblems. I was al- 
ready very angry, but the sight of those grieved 
me to tears, to tliink I was so closely connected to a 
frog; but then I consoled myself with the idea that it 
was no blood connection. 1 know those orders are 
liable to be deceived and imposed upon by men who 



114 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

join for nothing but selfish motives and popularity. 
I understood afterwards, his great sympathy for his 
brother B — , who he said was in reduced circumstan- 
ces, but who, I heard, was indebted to him in the 
small amount of thirteen dollars ; and he promised to 
get hmi all the subscribers he could, provided he 
would settle with him. They say this same frog is 
very benevolent, but I think his benevolence is like a 
great many others, give very liberally when they 
think it will be sounded far and wide; but let any 
person that is poor and worthy come to them for as- 
sistance, I am positive the frog, especially, would 
spurn them from his presence. If, by blinking his 
eyes, scowling his face, he could tramp them any low- 
er, he certainly would, forgetting he was once poor 
and made his money by washing the filth and dirt 
from the clothes of the general public, which I think 
is just as degrading a calling as being a book agent. 

For my own part, I do not think either degrading, if 
honorably and properly conducted; but this big bull 
frog was now a government official, and liked to show 
his authority. It grieved me very much to think that 
my sons should give their lives in helping to sustain 
this government, that would hire such a ruffian, who 
would take the liberty to curse and swear at me in such 
a manner. I never rejoice in any one's downfall, but 
this frog I believe has had his most auspicious person- 
age dethroned ; I expect he has gathered a good deal of 
moss to beautify his hilly but sandy home ; there may he 
rest in peace, and may he never have an apportunity to 
gather any more moss from this government. 

I next visited the Custom House, but found it im- 
possible, under my present excited state of mind, from 
the abuse I had just received, to solicit any more that day; 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 115 

SO I returned to my home, where I remained for several 
days. When I commenced work again, I determined 
to ask no questions, when any one said they had 
already purchased the book. I was five weeks working 
my district in the city, and was more successful than I 
had ever anticipated ; Iwould often think that I myself 
was most assuredly Roughing It. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Calistoga. 

It being now the anniversary of my marriage, and 
having always celebrated that memorable day, I con- 
cluded, in company with some friends, my husband and 
daughter to take a trip to Calistoga, and for a few days 
to try and throw aside the cares and trials of every 
day life. Four o'clock Saturday afternoon. May 25th, 
found my friends, family and myself aboard the steamer 
New World, en route for Yallejo. It being a very 
pleasant afternoon, we all seemed to enjoy the trip on 
the bay; arriving at Yallejo at a quarter to six in the 
evening, and after getting aboard the cars, we had to 
remain half an hour, for some reason better known to 
the Railroad Company than to us; at quarter ixist six 
we left, bound for Calistoga. 

The country through which we passed fur some 
miles, I was not favorably impressed with, in its appear- 
ance, but as we neared Napa City, we passed some fine 
ranches; the city is not so large as I anticipated; that 
was my impression from passing through it, on the 
cars. 



116 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

From Napa to Calistoga the country seemed to be 
well cultivated and adapted for the grape. In the up- 
per part of the valley we saw some splendid vineyards. 
At Yountville there was a large wine cellar; they say 
it was well filled with wines, and in a flourishing con- 
dition. 

When we stopped at St. Helena, a great many of 
our passengers left us, bound for the White Sulphur 
Springs. We saw many different kinds of convey- 
ances, from the fine carriage with its beautiful horses 
to the rough farmer's wagon with its rawboned span of 
mules, that had, as Mark Twain says, " scarcely any 
tail at all." It was now getting dark, and as we could 
not amuse ourselves by viewing the country, we then 
began to realize the grand mistake we had made in not 
taking dinner aboard the New World; so that by the 
time we arrived in Calistoga, we were all in a famish- 
ing condition. On arriving, we were driven to the 
Cosmopolitan Hotel. There we engaged rooms; and 
scarcely waiting to lay aside our hats, wash the dirt 
from our faces, much less brush the dust from our 
clothes, we rushed into the dining-room, telling the 
landlord we were almost starved, and wanted him to 
send on the table all the Cosmopolitan could afford, 
as we felt able to devour the whole town, springs and 
all. 

After partaking of a good supper we seated our- 
selves outside on the porch for a short time, as it was 
very pleasant. We then returned to our room?;, pro- 
posing to meet early next morning in the parlor, and 
visit the Springs. In the morning, before sunrise, 
found us all on our way to the Springs, a short dis- 
tance from the Hotel. When we entered the grounds, 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 117 

to the right was a iicat row of cottages, while to the 
left were several buildings going up. 

On both sides of the carriage drive there were a few 
summer houses, and on the left a small grove, with 
here and there a narrow path leading to rustic seats 
beneath the trees. 

In the center of the grounds stands the famous Cal- 
istoga Hotel, with its porches well shaded with large 
trees. Just past the hotel is a well beaten path, lead- 
ing to the famous spring known as the Devil's Kitchen. 
It was enclosed, forming a kind of room , in the cen- 
ter of which was a small table; upon it were salt and 
pepper, for the accommodation of visitors desirous of 
gratifying their curiosity, concerning the length of 
time taken in boiling an egg — which we performed by 
placing the egg in a wire bucket, attached to a cord, 
and lowering it into the spring for five minute's. When 
we took them out they were boiled hard. After par- 
taking of this romantic breakfast, we visited the several 
springs. In some places the ground seemed to be 
very spongy, here and there smoke arising, showing 
there was a hot spring underneath. On this portion 
of the ground no vegetation or trees would grow. 

The bath houses seemed to be very much neglected. 
We saw a few parties returning to the hotel, after tak- 
ing their morning bath. 

We left the place, thinking there were more natural 
wonders than beauties around Calistoga. We returned 
to the hotel, and after breakfast we hired a team to 
take us for a morning drive. We took the mountain 
road to the left. We passed some small vegetable 
ranches. The driver took us over a very beautiful 
mountain road, not very steep nor dangerous. The 
scenery was grand. Some places the trees were so 
10 



118 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

thick and tall that their branches closed and formed 
a delightful shade. We drove three miles. As we re- 
turned, at one point we could obtain a fine view of 
Calistoga and the surrounding country. When we 
reached the hotel, the driver told us of another beau- 
tiful mountain drive, leading to the famous Petrified 
Forest; so we engaged the same team for the afternoon. 
At half past twelve, our party again left the hotel. 
Taking the road to the right, we crossed a beautiful 
mountain stream, which we followed for some distance. 
On either side were the stately mountains, covered 
with the finest variety of natural trees that I have ever 
seen in California. We passed two small huts, where 
the driver told us the wood choppers lived. We now 
began to ascend the mountain. The road led through 
a dense forest, and at some places was very steep and 
dangerous. At one point we passed a team that was 
driven by a young man at break neck speed. I ex- 
pected we would both collide, which frightened me 
very much; but still they passed without doing any 
damage. 

When we reached the top of the mountain we found 
a small hut where a man kept bachelor's liall, who 
went by the name of Petrified Charley. He claimed 
the lands around, and charged every person four bits 
to admit and guide them through the forest. Each of 
our party registered his name and address in a large 
day-book kept for that purpose. In this book were hun- 
dreds of names of parties who had visited the forest pre- 
vious to us, from all portions of the globe. The location 
of the hut was the most beautiful I ever beheld. There 
was one of the finest mountain springs, from which our 
party drank freely of its clear, cold and crystal waters. 
We found the real owner not at home at the present 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 119 

time, but the place was left in charge of an old shep- 
herd. In company with the old man to guide us, we 
started for the forest, which was but a short distance? 
over a small elevation of ground. I could not help 
but admire how spry and supple the old man of seven- 
ty, supported by his staff, seemed to get over the 
ground, with his long white locks almost covering his 
neck and shoulders. He was very communicative, and 
as I listened to his conversation, by his accent I knew 
he was a southerner; while he told us his son and 
himself owned a small sheep ranch, as he called it, of four 
or five hundred acres, in the mountains, and had up- 
on it several thousand sheep. Also, that they had lived 
there for many years, keeping bachelors' hall. 

As the country looked so wild and uncivilized, one 
of the party asked him if he was not troubled with wild 
beasts or bears, when he replied, " Thare hasn't been 
a bar round these thare parts for many years." I then 
made inquiry as to which one of the Southern States 
he was from, and was somewhat surprised to learn he 
was from my native State, Kentucky. He asked why 
I thought he was from the south ; I answered, " by your 
accent," We now commenced examining the Petrified 
Forest, which is certainly a great natural curiosity; 
to see large trees lying on the ground, turned com- 
pletely into stone, many of them measuring from 
three to eight feet across, and some had been very tall, 
showing that they were redwoods, and from their ap- 
pearance had been petrified while standing, and by 
some great convulsion of the earth had been thrown 
down ; what seemed more singular, they had all fallen 
one way, many of them were broken in several pieces, 
the breaks looking very cragged, the same as a stone 
will often look when broken. Our party secured 



120 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

many specimens ; some of them even showing very 
plainly the knots on the limbs ; many of the trees I 
examined closely, and found none but what seemed to 
be solid stone. 

In the same forest there were large, thrifty looking 
redwoods, and the soil around them appeared very 
rich; but as we wandered farther on it had a white, 
ashy appearance, with only here and there a sagebrush. 
At a distance, in a small kind of a basin, was a spot 
looking as white as though it was covered with lime, 
but when we drew nearer we found it mixed with a 
yellow substance, that had somewhat the appearance of 
brimstone; some of the party broke off a piece. It 
seemed very hard and solid, as if it had been melted and 
run together. In a circle of some twelve or fourteen 
feet in diameter, to stamp on it, would sound as if it 
was hollow; and when several of the party would 
stamp on it at once, it made such a terrible noise it 
would frighten me very much, for fear it would go 
down. Close to this place w^ere several quite tall 
points of mountains partially covered with the same 
white substance, and many of our party joined me in 
the belief that centuries ago this very spot had been 
an active volcano. Near this place was a large partly 
petrified tree; from this we obtained some specimens 
of petrified bark. 

The old man also said there was, at a distance of a 
quarter of a mile from here, a large tree, also standing, 
that was petrified ; but as it was getting late and as we 
did not feel disposed to drive down the mountain road in 
the dark, we concluded not to go over to inspect it. 
We now returned to the hut, and I certainly think it 
would pay any one, for the time and expense, to visit 
such a freak of nature known as the Petrified Forest. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 121 

I regret not being a scientist, and not therefore being 
able to give a scientific description, as I would like to 
have done; trusting, however, that the public will re- 
ceive it in my common-place manner, also the thanks 
of J. W. L. 

Thanking the old man, we left the hut, and began to 
descend the mountain. We had not gone very far un- 
til I became frightened, thinking the driver had lost 
control of the horses, for they seemed to be traveling 
like the team we had just passed going up, at break- 
neck speed ; at some places it was so steep it was im- 
possible to keep from sliding from the seat. The 
younger parties seemed to enjoy the fun, and said I 
was trying to form m3'self into a brake, by trying to 
hold up the buggy. It might have been fun for them 
but it was none for me, for when I arrived at the hotel 
my hands were swollen from trying to hold myself in 
my seat. I may here mention that on our way down 
the mountain we passed a man on horseback, whom, 
the driver informed us, was the original petrified Char- 
ley, the owner of the land and forest we had just visited. 
He certainly looked like a rough mountaineer, and I 
believe was of German descent. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Napa Talley. 

Next morning some of our party had to leave for 
San Francisco, to attend to business, but my family 
and myself remained until Tuesday morning ; we took 
the first train for Xapa, where we arrived at half past 



122 SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 

nine o'clock, and found it a beautiful place, much 
larger than it appeared when I viewed it from the cars 
on my up journey. We had heard of a gentleman 
that owned a fine mountain ranch, some eight or ten 
miles from Napa City; so we concluded to stop off, hire 
a team, and make him a call, which I never regretted. 
After leaving Napa we followed the main road for sev- 
eral miles; then we turned to the right and passed 
through a large vineyard, and began ascending the 
mountain. On the side of the road there were some 
men working; we inquired of them the way to Mr. 
H — 's ranch, and were told we were now on the direct 
road to his residence. When we reached the top of the 
mountain the view was very grand ; we could see the 
Napa Valley, with the beautiful windings of the river. 
After going along the ridge of the mountain for some 
distance we commenced descending, and passed through 
a small thicket of underbrush. In a short time we 
reached the residence of Mr. H — . 

His residence and grounds were situated on a sloping 
piece of land on the side of the mountain, and I think 
a more beautiful spot could not have been chosen for 
a retired private residence. Mr. H. gave us a hearty 
welcome, showing us around the grounds, and explor- 
ing every point he thought would interest us. His 
house was built in Gothic style, with porches, from 
which you could get a good view of the three fountains, 
that were constantly playing, sending up their millions 
of sprays, to sparkle like so many diamonds when the 
sun would strike them. They were situated on the 
sloping ground in front of the house, one just below 
the other, their waters passing into an artificial lake at 
their base. In the center of this lake was a small is- 
land, on which strawberries and many choice flowers 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 123 

were planted. Around it was a wide path. On the 
side, shade trees were thickly set. Beneath one of 
these was a small boat, in which to row to the island 
or around the lake. On the grounds were many paths 
around different shaped plots, arranged according to 
the owner's taste, on which grew a fine and choice se- 
lection of plants and shrubs. . On each side of the foun- , 
tains were peculiarly shaped rocks, completely covered 
with varieties of climbing roses. What made the place 
seem more beautiful to me, its owner had left groups 
of natural trees standing here and there, all over the 
grounds ; underneath were un trimmed, remaining in 
their wild and uncultivated state. 

In some places there were large redwoods sawed 
down, leaving the trunks just high enough to form a 
table, around which were seats, on which Mr. H. said 
his friends held their private picnics. There were sev- 
eral swings and hammocks under the trees close to the 
lake, and many rustic seats scattered here and there, 
all over his grounds, while on the porch were loung- 
ing chairs. I do not see how any person could live 
in such a place, surrounded by so many comforts and 
luxuries, without being perfectly happy. Still, Mr. H. 
was a bachelor, and said his reasons for so being, were, 
he was afraid no lady could be contented in so lonely 
and retired a spot, and he could not give up his moun- 
tain home he had taken so much pains to beautify. The 
fountains and lake were fed from a spring, burst- 
ing out of the side of the mountains just abo. e his 
house. He said this w^as his reason for settling here, 
so he could have an abundance of water. 

After having shown us all over his beautiful place, 
he insisted upon our remaining and taking lunch with 
him: after which he ordered out his team, and ac- 



124 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

companied us as far as the foot of the mountain. Stop- 
ping on the ridge, he pointed out many ranches and 
vineyards of note, and showed us how far his lands ex- 
tended, of which he had several thousand acres. At 
the foot of the mountain we parted, thanking him for 
his kindness and hospitality. We arrived at the sta- 
tion in Napa City just five minutes before the starting 
of the last train that day for San Francisco. Vf e were 
soon on our way, and reached home about half past 
eight o'clock in the evening, where we found Polly, 
the parrot, very much rejoiced to see us. 

Here I remained for several days. On the fifteenth 
day of June I packed up my books and started for 
San Jose. On arriving, I once more became a book 
agent, working on Mark Twain's "Roughing It." The 
citizens of San Jose knew me well by this time, and 
patronized me liberally. In this place in three weeks 
I sold one hundred and five copies, which was the 
largest sale ever made there on one book by any can- 
vasser. With this book I visited Los Gatos. It be- 
ing such a small place, I was not very successful, and 
returned to San Jose. The next day I took the stage 
for the Alameda mines, in Santa Clara County. The 
road was very dusty and in some places very rough. 
We passed a number of flourishing looking ranches. 
When the stage arrived at the town on the flat, I was 
much surprised to see the store and hotel windows with 
iron bars across them, something after the fashion of a 
jail; but I was told it was necessary, on account of so 
many roughs that work in and about the mines. 

The town here consisted of one street; on the lower 
side of it were many dwellings; at some of them the 
entrances were lower than the sidewalk; along this 
side of the street, at the edge of the sidewalk, was a 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 125 

small ditch, through which the water was carried from 
the mountain stream to supply these dwellings. It 
was constantly running, being very clear, and, I was 
told, very cold, although 1 did not taste it. 

At this place is the spring from which we get the 
Vichey water. I do not know what its medicinal 
qualities are. I drank freely, and know it was hnefi- 
cial to me the few days I remained there; for I was 
very near sick on my arrival, and had been for some 
daj^s, and felt much better from the effects of the wa- 
ter when I left. In the place I did very well, consid- 
ering the small amount of the citizens that could read 
English. I returned to San Jose and took the first 
train for Mayfield; here I sold seven copies. The 
next day I returned home, where I remained for sev- 
eral weeks. 

Mr. Roman wished me to take another trip to Stock- 
ton for him, with a work entitled, " The Great Indus- 
tries of the United States." This trip I made by the 
cars. The scenery around Niles' Station I thought 
quite beautiful, located as it was in a corner in the 
mountain. After winding our way through the canon, 
we arrived in the Livermore Valley; the soil seemed 
to be very gravelly; but they say it produces fine crops 
in a rainy season. Livermore seemed a new, flourish- 
ing little village. When we arrived at Bantas I con- 
cluded to stop. Here I met a gentleman whom I had 
seen before in San Francisco. He said he would like 
to buy my book, but did not feel able; but would try 
and get me some subscribers. He went to the door, 
looked around, and says, " There is a gentleman, an 
old bach. I will call him, and tell him you are a 
widow and want to marry. You must not contradict 
me. I can then soon persuade him to buy several 



126 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

books.'' He said, "Not long ago our boys played a 
terrible prank on him. He is very rich, and one of 
the meanest men we have in the country ; so mean 
that no woman would marry him, not even for his 
money. 

" Our boys knew he was crazy to get married, so 
they wrote many fictitious letters, purporting to come 
from some nice young lady in the neighborhood ; upon 
receiving his answers they would answer themselves, 
saying that if he would send her so much money she 
would meet him in San Francisco, where they could 
be married, as her parents were not willing for their 
union. The old fool took the bait, sent the coin, and 
at the appointed evening would have gone to San 
Francisco if some one had not returned him his money 
and letters. Now if they say anything to him about 
going to San Francisco, he gets very angry." But my 
gentleman friend said, ''Anyhow, I will call him, and 
try and get some coin out of him for you." When he 
came over to where we were standing, he introduced 
me, saying, " This is Mrs. L — , a widow lady, from San 
Francisco, selling books." He then told the gentle- 
man to come into the hotel, and he would see how 
many he could get to subscribe for the book. He af- 
terwards informed me that when he went inside he 
told I was a hard-working woman, and would make 
him just such a wife as he wanted, for he knew I could 
make splendid bread, as he had often eaten at my house; 
"and," says hC; "if you will show your liberality by 
buying two of the books she has, I think, without any 
doubt, you can persuade her to marry, by telling her 
you have a fine rancho, not far from town, where she 
could have a good home;" at the same time telling 
him, "I will sign for a copy myself." They then came 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 127 

out, gave me my order book they had taken in with 
them, and the old man bought two books, and at once 
began asking me questions that I scarcely knew how 
to answer. 

During the conversation, I mentioned something 
about my husband. He got very angry, and said I told 
him I was a widow. 

The other gentleman now came up, and repeated the 
conversation he had with the old man, who seemed so 
angry that I offered him his money again ; but he would 
not take it, saying I was not to blame, and with a ter- 
rible oath, said, " These boys are always playing pranks 
on me. Now I will get even with them yet, if I blow 
some of their brains out." 

I left them, and reached the depot just in time to 
catch the train. After I was seated in the cars, I vowed 
I never would be guilty of allowing any one to falsely 
introduce me. When the train arrived in Stockton, I 
took the 'bus for the Eagle Hotel. The next morning 
I started out as a look agent, for the first time in that 
place, but was not so successful as I had been with the 
pictures. I worked very faithfully for several days, 
and scarcely made enough to defray my expenses; re- 
turned to my home in San Francisco, where 1 remained 
for several weeks. 



CHAPTER XI Y. 

San Francisco. 

I next went to work for Mr. Bancroft on a book en- 
titled. " How I found Livingstone," by Stanley; for it 
T took the central district. While on California street 



y 



128 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

I went into an office where there were three or four 
boys, about nineteen years of age, behind the counter. 
When I entered, they seemed very much tickled at my 
appearance or business, I scarcely knew which. They 
huddled together like so many chickens, that their 
mother had just weaned and set afloat; they tucked 
down their heads and whispered and giggled, as though 
they needed some one to teach them good manners- 
I tried several gentlemen who were in the office, and 
from one of tliem obtained an order. He pointed to 
the giggling boys, and said probably they would buy. 
I told him there was no use showing them the book, for 
I was positive they could not read, or otherwise they 
would know what good manners were. This book 
gave me constant employment until the holidays, dur- 
ing which I remained at home, and spent them very 
pleasantly. 

The latter part of the spring of 1873 I commenced 
working for Mr. Roman on Gen. McClellen's book, 
" The Golden States, or West of the Rocky Mountains." 
My district was from the south side of Market street 
to the ba}^ While on Stewart street, I stopped into 
Mr. P's office. He is a lumber merchant. In the of- 
fice were several gentlemen, among them Mr. K., whose 
office is a short distance away. Mr. P. said, "you need 
not come around any more, for now we have nice young 
ladies calling on us every day;" and laughing, said, " you 
are like my self, getting too old to stand any show; but 
if you will bring some nice young lady around with 
you, we would all buy a book." Mr K. then said, " I 
think Mrs. L. would be afraid to bring any of her 
young friends among the rough lumber merchants of 
Stewart street." I replied, " No, indeed, for I have can- 
vassed this street many times, and the gentlemen, one 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 120 

and all, have treated me with a great deal of respect, 
witli the exception of Mr. P. here.'' At this they all 
laughed, saying, " That's a good joke on you, Mr. P." 
He blushed a little, and joined in their merriment, af- 
terward saying, " That is one for you." I said to him, 
" Don't you deserve it, for jokuig me so roughly a year 
or more ago ?" His face became still redder, and he 
stammered, " I don't remember, for I am always jok- 
ing with some one." I remembered it very distinctly, 
and thought we were even now. After trying to get 
an order for the book, I started to leave the office, tell- 
ing Mr. P. good naturedly, to be careful what he said 
to book agents, for they were treacherous beings; bid- 
ding them good-day, I tried my luck in the next office. 

After canvassing Steuart street I went among the 
shipping. Here I stood no chance, for the small lady 
had made such a deep impression on all the sea-faring 
men that they would not notice so old and homely a 
creature as I. 

I worked on this book for some weeks. One morn- 
ing, on the corner of Townsend and Fourth streets, 
three small boys came out of a saloon; two of them 
were smoking cigarettes, and one of them a little old 
clay pipe; I looked at them sharply, thinking how young 
they were (for they were not more than eight or ten 
years old,) to be on the broad road to ruin. I suppose 
the one with the pipe thought, by the way I watched 
them, 1 was envious of their enjoyment ; for he stepped 
up to me, politely tipped his hat, at the same time 
holding the pipe toward me, said, " Old woman, won't 
you have a smoke ?" He looked so comical, in spite of 
myself, I could not help laughing. They all clapped 
their hands and laughed, like any little hoodlums 
would. I passed on, and was soon in the blind and 



130 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

sash factory, on the next street; but for some days af- 
ter I could not help smiling whenever I would think 
of the boy with the little old clay pipe. 

A few days after Mr. Roman wished me to com- 
mence work on William H. Seward's book, entitled, "His 
Yoyage around the World." For this I had the central 
district, being from the sputh side of California to 
Market, and from Kearny to the Bay. While continu- 
ing this work, I met a young lady I had formerly known 
in the east. She said during our conversation that she 
was in reduced circumstances, and asked me what I 
thought about her trying to canvass, and if I would 
help her in obtaining a situation. She called at my 
house, and I gave her all the information I could con- 
cerning the business, and went with her to secure a 
chromo, that she could have the privilege of selling 
on the spot, without taking orders. We started out, I 
having promised to assist her for several days. As we 
passed a large business house on the north side of 
California street, where twenty dollar gold pieces were 
very plentiful, with many clerks behind a counter to 
watch them, here I told her we would stop ; though 

/never was successful with Mr. R , I thought she 

might be, as she was very handsome and young. I 
led the way, the handsome lady following; and as we 
passed the counter, towards the private office, even the 
qukt clerks cast admiring glances at her. 

We entered the office; just inside the door she took 
a seat. Mr. R — was at his desk; when I approached 
nearer, he looked up; when his eyes fell upon me he 
frowned, and said, " I do not want any book." I did not 
seem to notice what he said, but called up my friend 
and introduced her and her chromo; at the same time 
holding it for his inspection. I do not think he saw 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 131 

the chromo; for when the young lady approacliod he 
sprang to his feet, scraped and bowed very politely, 
saying, " Excuse my abruptness, ladies, I was very busy ;" 
all the while never taking his eyes from the lady, 
which made her blush and look handsomer than ever. 
I politely asked him to buy the chromo, to assist her. 
He replied " certainly, certainly;" and handed over the 
coin. 

He took the chromo from her hand and set it to 
one side, never for a moment faltering in his gaze ; as 
we left the office I turned to close the door. He was 
still sending his most bewitching glance after her. But 
I do not think he ever had the pleasure of meeting her 
again, for she did not like either California or canvass- 
ing, and returned to her home in the East a short time 
after. 



CHAPTER XV. 
Santa Clara. 

I was not as successful with Seward's book as I had 
anticipated, but felt grateful to all those who did pat- 
ronize me. I finished my district in the city in five 
weeks, and was now ready to be transferred to some 
other seaport where I might annoy the citizens with 
another book agent. Santa Clara County, my old 
stumping ground, was next assigned to me. In San 
Jose I had great success; so I concluded to take a run 
to Gilroy. I was much surprised to see how this place 
had improved since my first visit, the population hav- 
ing increased to twice its original number. I stopped 
at the Williams House; found it well kept, under the 



132 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

supervision of Messrs. Fish & Gray. I called in a store 
where medicines were sold; the clerk was very airy, 
and asked me a great many questions, some of which I 
did not feel disposed to answer, when ho said, "What 
in the devil do you know ?" I told him there was one 
thing I knew, that he thought himself very smart, and 
one thing I would like to know: did any one else but 
himself think so? at Which he laughed, very much 
like an idiot. Some gentlemen came in. I tried to 
sell them the book, when he commenced some of his 
dirty, low slang. One of the gentlemen reproved hira, 
at which his face became crimson. I said, " Is it pos- 
sible that you can blush? I thought you enth^ely desti- 
tute of shame. I shall have a better opinion of you 
in future ;" and left the store. I was quite successful 
in Gilroy. I heard many speak of HoUister as being 
a lively place, and concluded to try their generosity in 
patronizing book agents. The country through which 
the cars passed was very low, but the soil seemed good. 
When we arrived at the town I stepped from the cars, 
looked around for a hack or some conveyance to the 
hotel, which seemed to be some distance away. I saw 
nothing but a two seated carriage, looking as though it 
migJd belong to some rancher. I noticed many ru^ 
fians of both sexes standing on the platform, and rec- 
ognized them as being the same party who came aboard 
the cars at Gilroy. I inquired of the gentleman in 
the carriage if I could get a conveyance to the hotel. 
He said "yes, 1 will drive you there; get in."' Just then 
a gentleman stepped up, who I afterwards learned was 
clerk in the Montgomery House, saying, " Madam, this 
is not the carriage; you will find a conveyance on the 
othei' side of the depot for the Montgomery House." 
Away I went, lugging my two baskets; the wind 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 133 

blew fearfully, and as I turned the corner of the ladies' 
sitting-room it lifted my hnt from my head and sent it 
whirling up the street. Some kind gentleman picked 
it up for me, for which I thanked him, and then secured 
it firmly on my head by tying my veil over it, while 
the impudent clerks stood laughing at tlie scene. 
Upon reaching the opposite side of the depot no vehi- 
cle of any kind was to be seen; so I had to retrace my 
steps, lugging my baskets with me. By this time many 
of the loafers had gone; while in the above-named 
carriage was seated a lady from San Jose, with whom 
I was well acquainted. She called to me, saying, " Mrs. 
L., here is room for you; come, get in ; you don't intend 
walking to town with all that baggage, surely." I asked 
her if she was going to the hotel, to which she answered, 
" Yes, to the Montgomery House, the best in the place." 
"Why, this man (pointing to the clerk) said this car- 
I'iage was not the oneJ' She seemed astonished, and 
looked first at the clerk, and then at me. He stepped 
forward, took my baggage, and assisted me to get inside. 
I was very angry, and if it had not been so near 
dark, and I being in a strange place, I would not have 
accepted the ride, but left my baggage and went on 
foot. When we reached the hotel 1 was informed the 
landlord had received a dispatch from Gilroy stating 
they had driven a lot of roughs from there, who had 
taken the cars for Hollister, and to look out for them. 
This, then, explained the cause of the clerk's singular 
conduct. I told him it was the first time I had ever 
been taken for a rough. But I suppose he knew from 
the way T carried my baskets they must be heavy, and 
took me to be the leader of the gang, who had stolen 
all the money Gilroy possessed, and had it in them. 
Being attired in a plain muslin dress, hat and shawl 
11 



134 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

confirmed his belief. When my lady friend in rich 
attire recognized me, he changed his mind. Probably 
he, like many others, thinks fine dress makes a lady or 
(jentleman, but he must not forget the old saying, " Never 
judge from appearances ;" for sometimes^ beneath the 
coarsest fabric, beats an honest, kind and noble heart. 
Remember Our Saviour was born in a manger, wrapped 
in swaddling clothes. 

Notwithstanding the trouble I had in getting to the 
hotel, I found it well kept; the landlord and lady were 
Southern people, very kind and obliging; even the 
clerk, which I forgave for his treatment, as I know he 
only did his duty. The next day I canvassed the town, 
found it quite a large place, considering such a few 
years' growth, very lively, and all branches of busi- 
ness well represented. The citizens were kind and 
benevolent. The country around the town, as far as 
I could see, looked in a flourishing condition. Here I 
sold a number of William H. Seward's books; the first 
man that bought one of me was the dead heat, as I 
called him, who, you will remember. I had met some 
years previous, on my first trip to Gilroy; and by the 
way lives on the same ranche where the monstrous 
sweet potato and beet were raised. I recognized him 
at once; when I repeated our conversation in the stage, 
he laughingly said, "Yes, I remember it well; and the 
soil is just as productive as I said. If you don't be- 
lieve me, come and see for yourself." Thanking him 
for his invitation, I bade him good afternoon. 

Next day I went to Gilroy, and from that place directly 
home. In a few days I entered Mr. Roman's store. 
He washed me to take Vallejo for William H. Seward's 
book, which I did. On leaving the boat at South Yallejo 
I took the cars as far as the junction. There I took a 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 135 

hack for tlie hotel. As we drove down the street I 
thought it would be a very difficult place to canvass, 
being hilly, and the residences ver};- scattering. After 
reaching the hotel I remained there over night. Next 
day I crossed over in the ferry-boat to Mare Island, 
Here the Government has some splendid machinery, 
which I take as much delight in examining as any 
great connoisseur; each department seemed to be well 
conducted; I found the Superintendents kind and obli- 
ging. I visited the officers' quarters; there I received 
liberal patronage. Beyond these the Government has 
erected a row of neat brick dwellings, surrounded by- 
beautiful grounds. Here the officers make their liomes. 
I called upon their wives; found them also kind; all 
begged to be excused from buying, saying that they 
were changed around so much, they did not wish 
to be encumbered with books. I think Mare Island a 
beautiful place. In the afternoon I returned to 
Vallejo. There I worked hard for some days, with 
but little patronage. I found the citizens all civil 
and well bred. la this place I spent a very pleasant 
ev^ening, at the Rebecca Lodge; I must say the pleas- 
antest I have ever spent away from home, in Califor- 
nia. They have a nice hall, and the ladies were very 
sociable. The next day I went to Fairfield and Suisun. 
I took a rickety old carriage, driven by a darkey; it 
was quite a distance to the hotel from the depot, and 
I was afraid the old vehicle would break to pieces be- 
fore it got there; but it landed me safely at the door. 
The proprietor I found to be a gentleman who the 
year previous had a store on Fourth street, San Fran- 
cisco. As I had called at his store several times to sell 
him a book, we were slightly acquainted. He intro- 
duced me to his wife; the evening passed pleasantly. 



136 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

■ Next morning in looking around the town I did not 
like its localiion, and the wind seemed to blow a per- 
fect hurricane. The inhabitants did not appear to 
mind it, but all were bright and alive when it came to 
business. 1 never saw or heard tell of so many pianos 
and musical instruments in a town as there were in 
that small place. 

There was a street they called Piano street, for a 
nickname. Here I met an old widower, who owned 
many of the swamps around the town; good land, as he 
called them. He said he had a son that was marriage- 
able, and would soon be off his ha.nds; then he would 
be all alone, for his wife had been dead these many 
years; all the time looking up into my face, and send- 
ing his bewitching glances in that direction. He was 
seated on an apple-lox in a loarehouse. Wasn't that ro- 
mantic? Continuing his nonsense, he said, "I sup- 
pose you are a widow or an old maid, else- you 
wouldn't be tramping about the country selling books." 
He talked so fast, I did not get a chance to put a word 
in edgeways. And my friendly readers know, if he 
could beat me, he must have been an extraordinary 
fast talker. But he finally stopped to take breath, 
when I told him I was a married lady ; also, if I could 
not sell him a book, I must be going. 

On my way to the hotel, I thought what splendid 
offers I had, if I was only a widow or an old maid : the 
old widower I had left was something like the one in 
San Jose, about half drunk. In Suisun I was very 
successful; also in Fairfield. Next morning I returned 
to San Francisco. At home I found awaiting me a 
letter from Mr. Bancroft, stating he wished me to go 
to Watsonville and Santa Cruz, with Col. Albert 
Evans' book, entitled "A la California." I called to 
see him, and promised to go the next week. 



A3 A BOOK AGENT. 137 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Pajaro Valley. 

Tuesday following, found mo on the cars moving 
away from Gilroy. In the country through which the 
cars passed the soil seemed to be well adapted for the 
tobacco culture. 

When we came to Pajaro Valley, I was surprised to 
see such fine ranches, well fenced; many of them hav- 
ing nice dwellings and barns. 

It reminded me more of farm life, in the Eastern 
States, than any place I had seen in California. The 
soil seemed adapted for all kinds of crops, and many 
of the ranches had fine fields of corn. When the cars 
arrived at Watsonville, I took a carriage for the hotel, 
which I found a fine building; the rooms large, airy, 
and well furnished. I think Mr. Billings and his wife 
are perfect in the art of managing a hotel ; for every- 
thing moved along like clock work. I remained at 
the hotel until next day, resting myself, when I 
started as book agent in a strange place. Watsonville 
is a very pleasant little town, the population seeming 
to be a very intelligent, industrious class, and ihclined 
to treat strangers with respect; but I sold very few 
books, as one and all, when urged to buy, would say, 
" there are several agents living here, in our town, who 
are very needy, and if I buy of any one, I must pat- 
ronize them." For this I was well pleased with the cit- 
izens. Thursday I took the stage for Santa Cruz. 
In some places the scenery was grand, but nothing to 
compare with that on the other road, across the moun- 
tains; still it was a very pleasant drive. As we neared 



138 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

Santa Cruz a splendid view could be had of the sur- 
rounding country. I stopped at the Franklin House, 
which was kept by a widow lady, and found both her 
and her daughter obliging and agreeable ; the latter 
very handsome and stylish. After partaking of a light 
supper, I retired to my room, as I felt very much fa- 
tigued. 

In the morning I thought, on this, my second visit 
to Santa Cruz, I would not call on tlie benevolent 
lady, Mrs. J. Taking my basket, I passed into the 
street, where I made a hasty march toward the Court 
House, thinking, as nearly all book agents do, I must 
try the County Officers first. I found them all ])erfect 
gentlemen, and received two orders; several promised 
to buy when the books came. I worked all day, with 
but little success. Next morning, at the breakfast 
table. I met a young lawyer that I had seen the day 
previous in the Judge's office. Upon his inquiry as to 
how I was succeeding, I informed him "not very well." 
The conversation turned upon the war; when I re- 
lated to him my losses and trials during the rebellion, 
and that I lived in Ohio at the time. He seemed to 
sympathize with me; for he, also, then resided in one 
of the Eastern States, and took an active part in help- 
ing his country. He used his influence outside? 
and was the means of m}'- selling many copies, for 
which I was very grateful; and hope he may always 
prosper, no matter where his lot may be cast. As I 
have understood, he has since married; I hope his wife 
may prove a true and noble woman. 

The Sabbath I spent in Santa Cruz was very lonely, 
for on that day I always prefer to be with my family. 
Monday I worked very hard, and Tuesday until time 
to take the stage for Soquel. The gentleman who 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 139 

owned the stage resided there ; as \vc neared the town 
he inquired which hotel I wished to stop at; I told 
him the best in the place. He replied there was no 
preference; they were all about the same. No matter 
which one you stop at; the others will work against 
you; for they are at swords' points. I told him 1 would 
just as lief stop at a private boarding house, if there 
was one in the place. He said he sometimes kept 
boarders, and perhaps could accommodate me. I 
thankfully accepted his offer ; so he drove to his resi- 
dence. When we reached it I found it quite a large 
and nice looking house. After introducing me to his 
wife, he went to put away his team, when his wife in- 
formed me she did not keep hoarders ; she was very cool, 
and my presence seemed to annoy her ; so I quickly, 
betook myself to Mr. Mann's Hotel, where I procured 
a room, and in company with a small boy returned 
for my baggage. 

I asked the wife how much my bill was, as I had 
taken lunch there ; she appear3dvery much astonished 
to think I was going to the hotel ; I told her she had 
a large family, and I did not wish to annoy her ; 
thought I should feel more at home in the hotel. Re- 
turning, I found Mrs. Mann to be as pleasant a lady 
as I have ever met. I canvassed this large city in 
three hours, was treated kindly, received but one or- 
der, and that from the landlord. 

In the morning I took the stage again, bound for 
Watsonville. After stopping at the hotel for lunch, I 
took the 'bus for the railroad, and came directly to 
my home in San Francisco. There I stayed until I 
commenced work on Mark Twain's last book, "The 
Golden Age," for which I had my old district north of 



^ 



140 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

California street. I worked faithfully on this for 
three weeks. Nothing of importance occurred during 
that time ; each day seemed to be a great trial to me, 
for my strength was fast giving away. Mr. Roman 
was to have the books the fifteenth of December ; luck- 
ily for me, they did not come until almost three 
months from that time. During the holidays it was 
with great effort I sat up. The second day in Janu- 
ary I was attacked with a congestive chill, and was 
not able to leave my room for eight weeks, where I 
was confined with typhoid fever. When I did com- 
mence work again, which was about the middle of 
March, I was so weak I was afraid to venture out 
alone. 

During my sickness the books had comej as I was 
in need of the money, and Mr. Roman was anxious to 
have them delivered, I had to take my daughter lo 
assist me, which I regretted very much. But in a few 
days I was able to go alone. After filling my orders, 
I commenced to canvass the balance of my territory 
that I had not been able to finish before. I found it 
already thoroughly canvassed by several agents, who 
hneio I was sick. Upon my asking them about it, they 
all denied it. It is an old adage, " 111 got gains never 
prosper." Whoever they were, I wish them no harm. 
With "The Golden Age" I was not so successful as 
with his former two books. As I had not fully re- 
gained my strength, I remained at home for a short 
time, when I again commenced work for Roman, on 
Josh Billings's book, " Everybody's Friend." 

For this book I chose the south side of Market 
street. I also took San Jose, where I was very suc- 
cessful Tired and disgusted, I almost made up my mind 
to retire from the business. I remained at home for 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 141 

some time; but getting scarce of pocket money, and 
Mr. Roman wishing me to go to Redwood City, San 
Jose, Gilroy, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas City, 
with the Life of Sumner, and Johnson's work, I left 
the store, promising to start next morning. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
Santa Clara Valley. 

July 14th. Upon waking, in the morning, my first 
thoughts were, must I again leave my home to go and 
contend with the rough realities of a canvasser's life ? 
With a heart filled with sad forebodings, and I fear a sad 
countenance, I prepared for my journey; books packed, 
hasty breakfast, sad goodbye to dear ones, I started, 
satchel in one hand and basket in the other, for the 
Market street cars, which are three long blocks from my 
residence; at the depot I buy my ticket for Redwood 
City, which left me only a dollar and a half. Taking 
my seat in the cars, 1 amused myself by watching the 
different faces as they came in. Four ladies attracted 
my attention by their merry laughter. A few minutes 
after their husbands came in, with their tickets and 
checks, followed by four small boys. I soon learned 
from their conversation that the ladies were bound for 
Pescadaro, on a pleasure trip. The gentlemen seemed 
very jolly; one of them inquired what about the boys? 
the other answered, " Tell the conductor when he 
comes around there is one apiece.'" The bell rings, 
the gentlemen bid goodbye, and leave the car; the sig- 
nal given, we are off. As the car passed the gentlemen, 
I thought how happy they looked, because they could 
send their wives and children away for pleasure and 



142 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

recreation. Wives and children looked happy, also, 
and I know they were; for their countenances and ac- 
tions did not deceive. There are many hundreds more 
who are happy, while others are very miserable. 

It is not money or position that makes happiness, 
but a contented mind, that can withstand the cares and 
storms of this life. I often look at a grand and beau- 
tiful tree, one of nature's own planting, and compare it 
to the human mind. The rough winds vvill bend its 
branches until it would seem as though they would 
break and fall to tlie ground ; still a light breeze will 
send them up, and there they stand as straight and 
majestic as ever. Oh, for a mind and strength of 
will for one and all to stand the cold rough winds through 
life, is my prayer. But I have wandered from my sub- 
ject. There was nothing of importance occurred until 
we arrived at Redwood City, and I once more became 
a book agent. I called on Mrs. Dr — , found her not in, 
and started for Mr. H — 's residence. I passed Mr. B — 's 
saloon; two gentlemen were seated outside. They 
both seemed very pleasant, and one signed for a book. 
The other buys one of Mark Twain's books and pays 
me the coin. I then continued my way to Mrs. H — 's 
residence. The bell was answered by the lady in per- 
son ; I found her, as heretofore, very kind and agreea- 
ble; she bought one of Josh Billings' books, and signed 
for Sumner's. Thanking her very kindly for her pat- 
ronage, I bade her good morning, and next visited the 
Court House, where I sold one book and got a few or- 
ders. From there I commenced my regular canvass, 
from one place of business to another. They all 
seemed glad to see me. 

I took about fifteen orders. Just as I was leaving 
the last place, some one pulled my shawl. On looking 
around I found it to be a man (he did not act like a 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 143 

gentleman) from San Jose. I told him kindly to keep 
his hands to himself. '' I know you have been veiy kind 
in giving me your advertisements, when you were in 
the insurance business; still, I do not like so much fa- 
miliarity;" at which he very abruptly said, '" What 
are you following me around for? the next thing I know, 
my wife will be getting jealous of you." I bit my lips 
with anger, and informed him his wife, with no disre- 
spect to her, would have to marry a gentleman before she 
need to be jealous of me. He replied, " I believe you 
are angry," and left me. 

I went to the hotel next. There I remained until 
time to take the train for San Jose, which was the first 
train the next morning, July 15th. Taking said train, 
I left Redwood City. Nothing occurring, I arrived in 
San Jose in due time. Taking the New York Exchange 
coach, I was driven to the hotel. Was shown to a room, 
in which I remained until lunch time. After lunch, 

I went to Mr. B 's office on Santa Clara street, and 

got him to attend to some business for me. I then 

took the street cars for Mrs. B s, where I spent the 

rest of the afternoon and evening. July 16, 1 returned 
to San Jose and canvassed all day, and only received 
four orders; returned to the hotel, tired and disgusted 
with life. 

July 17th. Arising, I make a hasty toilet, and de- 
scend to the breakfast table. There were tlu-ee ladies 
already seated at the table where I was. They seemed 
to be strangers in the place ; one, an elderly lady, 
and her daughters. I did not learn their names, or 
anything about them ; but I never saw, in all my travels, 
sorrow depicted on countenances so plainly as in theirs. 
I pitied them from the bottom of my heart. Leaving 
them at the table, I returned to my room and prepared, 
for the street. Passing down the street, I met Mr. 



144 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

G- ,and asked him to subscribe fora book. He re- 
plied, '' I am sorry, but I cannot, as I have been almost 
laid up with my leg." I then observed he was walking 
with a cane. I inquired what was the matter. He 
said, " Did you not hear of my mishap ? The other 
day, when we had local option here, Sallie Hart threw 

me down, run over me, and broke my leg." Mr. G 

and I are the best of friends; so I knew he was only 

jesting. I next called on Mr. P , and asked him to 

subscribe for the '' Life of Charles Sumner," for the 
library. His answer was, " We are not buying any 

books at present." Mr. J 's office being in the 

same building, I visited him, and he subscribed for 
Johnson's book. He requested me to be seated and 
rest myself, which I did, and we had a short, pleasant 
conversation on different subjects. Promising to bring 
his book the next day, I bade him good afternoon. 

In the hall I met Mr. B — , and tried to sell him a 
book, but without success. The balance of the day I 
canvassed among the ladies; but without very good 
success. I do not know why, but with the ladies I 
can never be successful. Very tired and worn out, I 
turned my steps toward the hotel. Passing the post- 
office, I stepped in and found two letters waiting for 
me. One was from home; the other from Roman's, 
with a bill for books sent to me by express. As soon 
as I got to my room, sat down to read my letter from 
home. It contained no bad news, but still it had the 
effect of making me very homesick. I thought how 
different my life was from many others; how glad I 
would be if I could remain at home with my family, 
instead of roaming around the country; still I feel it 
is best for the present. I am anxious to get a home, 
so we all can be independent. With these thoughts, I 
retire for the night. 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 145 

July ISth. This day passed as many others, work- 
inpj hard, and with but little success. This being Sat- 
urday, 1 took the street cars for Mrs. B — ■, whore I re- 
mained until Monday morning, enjoying myself hugely. 

July 20th. After breakfast I packed ray books and 
left them at Mrs. R — , telling her I would have the 
stage call for them on our way to Los Gatos. At her 
house I took the street cars for San Jose. I delivered 
several books and received pay for them. Returning 
to the liotel. I settled my bill, and there I remained 
until the stage bound for Santa Cruz called for pas- 
sengers. Taking a seat inside with many others, the 
driver takes his seat and we are off. On our way 
through the Alameda we stop at Mrs. B — for my bag- 
gage and books. 

We stopped at Santa Clara depot to receive passen- 
gers from the cars. By this time the stage is pretty 
well filled. Again we are off. The drive from Santa 
Clara was very dusty. We reached Los Gatos at one 
o'clock ; stopped at the boarding - house. I took a 
room, and after washing and brushing for a half hour, 
began to look once more like a civilized person. Af- 
ter taking a late lunch I took up my basket once 
more, and started for the store ; here I met two young 
gentlemen, who promised to buy Mark Twain's "Gilded 
Age" when I was here before. In speaking to them 
concerning the book, they said they had not forgotten 
our agreement, which was: I was to let them have the 
leather binding for the same price as the cloth. Hav- 
ing none but the cloth binding, we had some joking 
and disagreement about the price; but we settled it, 
and they took the books. 

Mr. H. came in during the conversation, and told 
how he once made a raise by selling books. " I was 



146 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

down to the bed-rock," as the Californians say. "As I 
could not get any other employment, concluded to try 
canvassing for the Life of Lincoln, in Santa Clara 
County. In going from Saratoga to Los Gatos, across 
the country, I lost my way. Stopping at Mr. P's. to 
make inquiry, I tried to sell him a book; he would 
not buy, and I could not make him believe I had lost 
my way. He said, ' You are pretty smart, but you 
can't play lost on me.' He insisted upon my staying 
all night, saying he would like to have an argument 
with me about the war. Thanking him, I bade hirn 
good evening without gaining the desired information. 
I soon found the road, and reached Los Gatos soon 
after dark, where I stopped for the night." Mr. H. 
also said "there was a great deal of money made by some 
canvassers; still, for all that, it is the most trying busi- 
ness I ever engaged in. But ladies do better than gen- 
tlemen, I think, as they are not likely to be treated so 
abruptly." I replied " that they were not so used to 
battling with the world, and their trials were far 
greater. We will not argue the question now; I must 
be going." I could not get him to subscribe for a 
book, although he said he would like to, but did not 
feel able. 

Leaving my basket and books in his^store, I started 
out on foot for the ranche. On my way I called on 
Mrs. M. She has lived in this neighborhood for many 
years. She does not like ranching, and thinks I 
would not either ; but I think differently. I would 
prefer any place that was quiet. to this excitable life I 
am now leading. After a few moments more conver- 
sation I bade her good afternoon. 

In going along the road I passed Mrs. F's. almond 
orchard. I could not but notice how nicely it was 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 147 

kept, and how fine the trees were looking. Crossed 
the rocad, passed through the gate, and was now at the 
place I expected to make my future liome. At present 
it looks very dismal and forsaken. Still through time 
it can be made very comfortable. Mrs. 0. and myself 
walked around the place, she telling me not to be 
afraid to move on it, as we could make a good living. 
After making some calculation concerning repairs, re- 
turned to the store. Taking my basket and books, I 
called on Mr. R., at his residence; was introduced to 
his wife and son; found them very pleasant. The lat- 
ter bought Mark Twain's " Gilded Age." Thanking 
him, and it now being dark, hastened to the boarding 
house. There I found one of my fellow passengers of 
the morning stage seated in the sitting room, and soon 
learned he was from Terre Haute, Indiana; was travel- 
ing for pleasure. Having heard so much about Cali- 
fornia and its beautiful climate, ho thought he would 
like to spend a season here. It was two weeks since 
he arrived ; so far as he had seen, he was very much 
pleased with the country; but said he would not like 
to make it his home, on account of the society. I told 
him he must not judge too hastily, when he inquired 
how long I had lived here; upon telling him six 
years, he said, " Well, madam, do you think the society 
here is as good as it is in the Eastern States?" I re- 
plied, " It is not to be expected, as California is set- 
tled with different nationalities, from all pai ts of the 
globe, and they are constantly changing from one place 
to another. I can see a great change in society since 
I came here, for the better. 

'' When the population becomes permanently located 
the society will be as refined as it is now in the East. 
There is one thing I can say, there is no State in the 
Union w^here you will find as many kind and benevolent 



148 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

people as in California. At least I have calways found 
them so. I think you will form the same opinion, 
after you have been here one season." To which he 
replied, " Probably I shall." The conversation turned 
on different subjects, until time for retiring. 

Upon waking, next morning, I did not feel very much 
refreshed ; having coughed all the fore part of the 
night. I think it must have been from inhaling dust 
the day previous. After eating breakfast, I took my 
basket of books, and canvassed the large City of Los 
Gates, consisting of five dwelling houses, two stores, 
and a blacksmiths' shop. Oh, I had forgotten also a 
Chinese wash house. I could not help but stop and 
admire their vegetable garden. 'Tis astonishing what a 
quantity of vegetables they will raise on such a small 
piece of ground. They are certainly a very energetic 
and industrious race of people. Still I think they are 
a greater curse to our country than ever slavery was. 
I may be wrong. 

Returning to the boarding house at noon, I packed 
my traps, took a hasty lunch, settled my bill, and went 
to the company's store to wait for the Santa Cruz stage, 
which leaves at one o'clock. Picking up my satchel, I 
found a card tied to it, with the words written on it, 
" Mrs. A. J. L., &c. Book Peddler. Beware of her." I 
took it good naturedly, and laughed heartily with the rest 
of them. The stage at last drives up, being a few 
minutes late. Taking a seat inside, everything ready, 
we start. Passing the Ten Mile House, we commenced 
ascending the mountains; the stage stopped at Lexing- 
ton to change horses, and for the passengers to take 
lunch. In half an hour we are off again. 

The scenery now becomes very grand. Although I 
had traveled over the road once before, still I saw new 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 149 

beauties in every place. The first time the mountains 
and deep ravines were covered with wild flowers. Then 
it was spring; now it is mid-summer. There are but 
few flowers to be seen, but the tall and stately redwood, 
pine and madrona mingled with many otlier varieties, 
with here and there a high rough stone or cragged 
peak; now and then you caught a glimpse of a small 
valley, dotted with farm houses; all combining to make 
the scenery grand and picturesque. As we neared the 
top of the mountains we met the person known as 
Mountain Charley; the stage stops while he tells the 
driver the sad news of his son's death, and how it oc- 
curred — having shot himself accidentally. I watched 
him closely during the conversation. Though used to 
the hardships of a mountaineer's life, I could see with 
what an iron will he kept back the tears. A parent's 
love was there. He passed on, looking very sad. The 
stage now moves very slowly. Tiie soil presents a white, 
ashy appearance, with here and there a tree, and very 
few shrubs. This only continues a very short time; 
we now begin to descend the mountains. The scenery 
is, if anything, grander than on the other side. But 
the horses are driven with such rapidity, making such 
quick and short turns, it is impossible to look around 
very much, without becoming dizzy; though I enjoyed 
the view very much. We passed through a small val- 
ley, which, upon inquiry, I found to be Scott's Valley. 
Horses are changed again, and we lose some of our pas- 
sengers, four in number, making the rest of the drive 
rougher than ever. Santa Cruz is reached about five 
o'clock. I stopped at the Santa Cruz house, very tired 
and dusty, thinking wasn't it jolly to be a book agent. 
About this time I caught a glimpse of myself in the 
mirror in my room, and laughed right heartily at my 
12 



150 SIX YEAES EXPERIENCE 

appearance. My face and hair wore completely cov- 
ered with dust, wit!i the exception of a streak here and 
there on my cheek, that I had brushed away in mov- 
ing my veil, reminding me of ladies I had seen who 
had powdered their faces so thickly tliat when they 
perspired it left their faces streaked, or some urchin 
witli a very dirty face had cried, and the tears had 
rundown his cheeks, leaving a clean place; but enough 
of this nonsense. With the free use of water and soap 
I began to look like myself again, and felt m.uch re- 
freshed. I then descomled to the dining-room. 

I went to the sitting-room, where I passed a pleas- 
ant evening with the landlady, finding out many points 
concerning my business for the morrow. 

At nine o'clock next morning, I started for the 
Court House; found but one office opened. A gentle- 
man was seated at his desk, reading a paper, I had 
never met him before, and supposed from his actions 
that he was a deputy. I inquired of him for Mr. B — . 
He told me that he had not been re-elected last fall. 
I then took out the "Life of Sumner" from my basket, 
and asked him if he would not like to buy a copj^, to 
which he replied, "No, madam, I have vowed I never 
would buy another book from an agent. In the first 
place, they charge twice as much as they are worth; 
and another thing, they are generally nothing but a lot 
of trash." I answered: "'I think you are mistaken, 
sir; there are man}^ good and valuable books sold by 
subscription." 

•* There is no use arguing. When I wish a book I 
will go to the store and buy it. Just the other day 
there was a nice young lady came in and persuaded 
me to subscribe. In a few days she brought the book; 
it is the most trashy thing I ever read." I learned af- 



AS A ROOK AGENT. 151 

tcrwarcl he did not buy the book at all; that his clerk 
bou^2;ht it and gave it to iiini. 

jMany others passed in and out; among them Mr. 
C — . 1 was very glad to meet him, as I had not for- 
gotten his kindness to me when I was here last fall. 
After conversing for a little while, he asked me what 
books 1 had this time. I told him several; among 
them, the "Life of Sumner," and" Johnson's Sketches 
of tiie War.'' After looking them over, said he could 
not buy this time, as he had been getting married. 
" M}' wife needs all my spare coin. But if I caa assist 
you in any other way I shall be pleased to do so." 

By this time the offices were all opened. I went 
down the hall to Mr. M — 's room. He received me 
very kindly; looked at all my books; said he would 
like to have Johnson's work. '• Call and see my wife, 
as she buys all the books, and knows better what kind 
she would like." I told him I never canv^assed among 
the ladies in this place. I liad tried it in many other 
towns without good success. '* You will not find it 
so here," he replied. " They are the principal ones 
that buy; at least, my wife always does. You call on 
her and see. I would like to have her patronize you, 
because I believe you deserve it, unless you have de- 
ceived me. If you have, that remains v/ith 3'ou and 
your God." I reassured him my statements were cor- 
rect. 

Promising to call on his wife in the afternoon, I 
crossed the hall to Mr- J. G's room. He was kind, 
but begged to be excused, as he was very busy; tell- 
ing me to call again. Saying I would do so, I thanked 
him, and left the Court House, thinking how different 
his words were from the gentleman's I had first met. 
Mr. J. G's were kind, with a touch of pity in them, 



152 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

while the other one's were harsh, and inclined to be 
sarcastic, as though " You are nothing but a book 
agent." I feel these things very keenly, though I 
know mine is an honorable and legitimate business, 
and no lady or gentleman would look at it in any other 
light; and God knows I try to conduct myself in 
such a way as to command respect from all. I called 
on many others, with little or no success. Mr. L. 
said he would not subsciibe, but he would buy Sum- 
ner's book when I delivered it. My next visit was 
to the telegraph office, where I sent an order to Ro- 
mans' for some books. It was now noon. After lunch 
I called on Mrs. L., at her residence across the creek. 
As I passed up the walk, I could not help but admire 
the beautiful grounds. The bell was answered by a 
neat looking lady, whom I found to be Mrs. L. When 
I told her my business, she said her husband was 
speaking about me at lunch time. I accepted her 
kind offer to w\alk in and rest myself, while she ex- 
amined the books. She bought Johnson's work, and 
subscribed for "Poetry and Songs," by William Cullen 
Bryant. Thanking her for her kindness and patron- 
age, I crossed the road to a building I found to be a 
beer saloon. The proprietor tried to get me into an 
argument on local option. I told him I would not ex- 
press my opinion either way. 

" You women, tramping around the country, are gen- 
erally in favor of woman's rights." I replied, " local 
option and woman's rights h;ive nothing to do with 
each other. I am in favor of the latter, with re- 
gard to labor. I think a lady can be a lady, and fol- 
low any occupatioiu If she does her duty and per- 
forms the same labor as a gentleman, she ought to re- 
ceive the same pay for it. But I do not believe in the 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 153 

ladies having the ballot. If they had it, their votes 
would not be so easily bought as some men's are." I 
left him, and crossed the street again; called at a 
great many different dwellings, and was treated politely 
by all; but made no sales. Found several who had 
already purchased Sumner's book. Leaving the hill, 
I crossed the creek, and started for the hotel. As I 
passed up the street, two gentlemen were seated in 
front of a store. To my asking them to buy, they re- 
plied, as many others have done, '' I cannot read." 
" You are t(i be pitied," I said, and passed on to the 
hotel. 

My first thoughts are, this morning, must I move in 
the current, wear a smile, while my heart is sad ? Mak- 
ing a hasty toilet, I descended to the breakfast table, 
where the landlady introduced me to Mr. A. We 
talked on different subjects. I asked him if he could 
tell me Mr. B's. office hours. Instead of informing me. 
he said, abruptly, " Why, I attend to all the business. 
He does the head work, and I handle the money. I 
am the money part of the institution." I replied, "'It 
is the money I am after," thinking he needed some 
one to do the head work for him. " I have several 
books. I should like to sell you and Mr. B. a copy. 
Mr. A's. countenance fell. " You can't sell me any 
books; I don't know what you can do with Mr. B." 
He then turned from me, and commenced telling the 
landlady how he intended to enlarge his house; and 
that was the way he thought of spending his money. 
1 went to my room, thinking it sad to be a book agent, 
especially when you meet gentlemen who have tlie 
handling of other people's money. 

I started for Mr. C's. drug store; found him very 
jovial, and glad to see me; saying he had bought a 



154 SIX TEARS EXPERIENCE 

book the other clay, and would like to trade with me. 
I said I was in for a trade, if it was not too much 
soiled, and he would give me boot enough. We wei-e 
interrupted by the entrance of Mr. C, an insurance 
agent. We had met often before in our travels. 
After shaking hands, he said, " Mrs. L., don't you 
think book and insurance agents have a hard time ? 
I am afraid I shall never get to Heaven, for the fibs I 
have told." Then he went on to illustrate some of 
them. In trying to get thera to insure their lives, he 
would tell them how Mr. Smith, Brown or Jones got 
blown up in some mill, or crushed in the cars, and 
would have left his family destitute, if it was not for 
the insurance he had on his life. Some of them are 
foolish enough to believe it true; when it is all hearsay. 
I do not know how much longer he would have kept 
on this strain, but on looking out, I saw the 'bus was 
ready to start for the beach, and not wishing to miss 
it, I left the store, and took a seat inside, with many 
more. On our way the driver stopped; an elderly lady 
with two boys, both using crutches, get in. They 
looked like brothers. I thought how sad it was to see 
them so afflicted, not being able to run about like 
other children; although they looked happy. By the 
time the 'bus reached the beach, it was pretty well 
filled. I went with the crowd into the sitting-room of 
the lower bath house. The sitting-room was well 
filled with different nationalities, from the Caucasian 
race to the African. It was now ten o'clock, the 
time for surf bathing. I wandered up and down the 
beach, in hopes of getting a glimpse of the masked 
bather. My curiosity was not gratified. Afterwards 
I visited the upper bath-house. 

I do not find any pleasure in wandering alone, for 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 155 

those I love arc not willi mo to enjoy llic sec-no. I 
took lunch at the last mentioned bath house. Ascend- 
ing tlic hill, I called at ^Ir. AV's warohou-^c; tried to sell 
^Ir. G. a book, but with no success. Mr. W. and wife 
drove up to the door in a buggy. I tried tliem, and 
both refused. After calling at every house in that 
vicinity, and not getting any ordi^'.s, I concluded to re- 
turn to the hotel. After waiting for some time, and not 
seeing any prospect of getting a conveyance, I started 
on foot. I stopped at several residences on my way, 
but I might as well not liave gone in, as it availed me 
nothing. At the hotel I left my basket, and went 
around to the expre>s office, to see if ray books had 
come; they had not. Being greatly disappointed, and 
knowing tliere must have been some mistake in the 
dispatch, or they would have filled my order, I tried to 
find the telegraph operator; but could not. It being 
late, I concluded to waii: until morning. 

At eight o'clock next morning I found him, and 
learned there was a mistake, through the Watsonville 
office. 

As it would detain me too long to have another or- 
der sent to this place, I sent an order for the books to 
be sent to Watsonville. I then called on all who had 
subscribed, and got them to wait for their books until 
October. It was now twelve o'clock. As the stage 
did not leave for S. for several hours yet, I busied my- 
self in writing up Santa Cruz. 

Four o'clock found me in S. The landlady at the 
hotel was very sick. I was shown to my room by a 
woman in charge, whom 'I had met when I was there 
before. She said, •' Our town is overrun with book 
agents; we are all getting pretty tired of them. There 
was one old woman here, selling her life, or some other 



156 SIX YEARS EXPERT ExNCB 

kind of a book, written by herself. When she came, 
she said she was going to stop here; but did not. I 
don't know what became of her. nor I don't care." I 
smiled, and thought to myself, '' When I am gone, won't 
I catch it." She turned very abruptly, saying, " I hope 
you will be comfortable in this room. I must go;" 
and she ivent. W^asn't I so;t?/.^ Arranging my traps, 
I took up my basket and started for the tannery. 
Trudging along through the dust, from two to six inches 
deep, I passed Mr. S — 's saloon, and got his order 
for Joseph E. Johnson's work. At the tannery there 
were but three or four men at work ; one of them told 
me the firm had " busted" up. They could not buy, be- 
cause they would be out of work in a few days. I 
called at several private residences; found the ladies 
agreeable, neat and tidy housekeepers. I returned by 
the way of the blacksmith shop ; the gentleman 
promised to buy a book when I came back in the fall. 
Called at the store, but had no success ; crossed 
the street to the telegraph office; sold one of Mark 
Twain's "Gilded Age" to the operator, who, by the 
way, 1 found to be a very kind hearted gentleman. I 
next called on the butcher. He recognized me imme- 
diately, and seemed very glad to see me, but would 
not buy. 

I stayed all night at the hotel. In the morning the 
stage from Santa Cruz arrived, bound for Watsonville. 
On the middle seat were two young ladies and one gen- 
tleman. I said I could not ride backwards, at which 
the gentleman arose and gave me his seat; for it, I 
thanked him. 

The stage moved on ; the two young ladies kept the pas- 
sengers laughing for some time, by the description they 
gave a gentleman as to how they intended to marry some 



AS A no OK AGENT. 157 

old man for liis money. "Of course," said one, " ho 
would not want to go to parties, balls, and. such places, 
being well enough satisfied with our smiles during the 
day. He could stay at home, and take care of the 
house and children, if there were any, while we would 
take his purse and some younj man's arm, and go to a 
ball or place of amusement. We would Tiam to take 
his purse, because the young gentlemen nowadays have 
no monc}", and some of them very little brains. I don't 
know but two or three, in all my acquaintances, that 
can make a living for themselves, much less a wife. 
But they are, most of them, jolly good fellows to go 
around with." 

The other one now spoke up, saying, '' I had my 
heart set on Mr. M. R. ; but understood, the other day, 
he was so sting}^ he would not cat a square meal. That 
almost frightened me, for I tell you I like good grub; 
still, he has so much mone}^, is so tall, so handsome, and 
so very polite, I scarcely know how to express my feel- 
ings." 

'' Will yon allow me to express mine, Miss, with re- 
gard to his politeness?" I said. To which she replied, 
" Certainly." " I called at his office, some time ago, 
in San Francisco. He reminded me of some savage, 
snarly bull dog. keeping watch over some bones that 
he could not eat himself, nor would not allow any other 
dog to, wi'.hout a big fight. When I addressed him, 
all the answer I got was a snarl. He nvglit have been 
very polite and sociable, had he not seen I was a book- 
agent. Perhaps he thought they ought not to expect 
politeness from anyone." In reply to this, she said, 
"just wait until I get Jiim; I will train him to do dif- 
ferently; at least, I think so. I have never bad the 
pleasure of seeing him yet." 
13 



158 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

After a few more jests, we arrive in front of the hotel 
in Watsonville. Here I part with my companions; they 
going on to San Jose, and I remaining at the hotel. 



CHAPTER XYIIl. 

Watsonyille. 

This is my second visit here; not having much suc- 
cess the first time, I started out with but little energy. 
At the express office I found my box of books awaiting 
me. I took two, and started out again on my regular 
canvass. Soon sold them, and received several more 
orders. In the afternoon, while in conversation with 
a gentleman from the country, some one passed, whom 
he called Judge. He said, '' This lady has some books 
for sale; would you like to purchase a copy ?" He re- 
plied, " I cannot read." I told him I did not like to 
hear anyone make light of education, for I had worked 
the life almost out of me to educate my children, and did 
not like to hear it made fun of. He looked at mo very 
solemnly, and said, '' I am sorry you wern't around 
when I was a child." By this time there were several 
present; they all laughed heartily. I took it good- 
naturedly, and laughed with the rest; but succeeded 
in persuading some of them to subscribe for a book. 
Leaving them, I went up stairs into a lawyer's room; 
was treated very kindly, but could not get him to buy. 

Passing into the street, I saw three or four gentle- 
men in a group. Approaching them, I asked, " G-en- 
tlemen, will you allow me to show you some books 
that are for sale ?" They all answered pohtely they 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 159 

did not wish to buy; but oae ruffian straightened him- 
self very proudly, and said, " I have too many children 
to buy school books for; they are scattered all around; 
I expect to* be elected mayor of this town ; so I 
can father all the hoodlums running abroad." He 
laughed, thinking ho had said something very smart. 
I told him I guessed his mother had died before he 
could remember her. From his looks and actions, one 
would think he was capable of being father to a hood- 
lum. 1 now returned to the liotel, where I spent a 
very pleasant evening in the parlor, listening to some 
fine music by a professor from S ui Francisco, who was 
staying in the country for his health. Next day, being 
Sunday, I spent the greater part of it in my room, 
writing. 

Monday morning I started to work with new ener- 
gies, being somewhat refreshed with my day's rest. I 
called on Mr. B., where I met a gentleman who tried 
to joke me about Masonry and Odd Fellowship. Found 
I was well posted, and acknowledged I had a right to 
wear th3 emblems. Returned to the hotel and took 
the hack for the railroad depot. 

BOUND FOR SALINAS CITY,- 

The country through which the cars passed did not 
impress me very favorably, portions of it being low 
and swampy; although in some places there seemed to 
be excellent soil, and finer crops I never saw. In 
conversation with a gentleman on the train, I was told, 
upon inquiry, that the Abbott House was the best ho- 
tel in the place. 

Arriving there, I took the coach, and was driven to 
the hotel before mentioned. I found it to be as fine 



IGO SIX YEARS EXrERIENCE 

and well kept as any I had seen in so small a place. 
I was shown to a room in the third story, neatly fur- 
nished, and very pleasant. 

Arranging my oaggage, I took my basket, and once 
more became book agent. As I passed through the 
hall I noticed it was just five minutes to three. At 
the foot of the stairs I paused to think which way I 
had better go. Though "I had canvassed for almost 
six years, I was now in a strange place, and ]nust meet 
strange faces. My thouglits were, " how will they treat 
me; will they meet me kindly or abruptly?" With a 
heavy heart I stej)ped into the street. I made inqui- 
ries for the Court House; being told, I started in that 
direction. On my way I passed the post office; stepped 
in, and found a letter from home waiting for me. 

I once more started for the Court House. Found 
the building not very preposs3S.^ing in its appearance. 
I first called on ]\lr. I). He was very polite and 
kind; but after talking some time, I could not induce 
him to buy a book. In the same office was Mr. S.; he 
spoke very crossly: ''Am very busy, and don't wish 
you to bother me," is his reply in answer to my ask- 
ing him if he would like to subscribe for Charles 
Sumner's Life. I next called on Mr. A.; found him 
pleasant, and promised to buy a book when I came in 
October. Thanking him, I passed into the next room, 
where I found four gentlemen very busily writing, and 
one other, (making five in all) who had a more ele- 
vated seat than the rest, and seemed to be giving or- 
ders. Although not very tall, ho was somewhat like 
the Dutch girl, pretty wide out. Book agent ad- 
dressed him; good looking man looked up, smiled, and 
asked: " Wliat do you wish, madam ?" '' I have some 
books I would like to show you," At this his couq- 



AS A r.OOIv AGENT. IGl 

tcnanco lell wonderfully, and ho repliod: "I uni too 
})Oor to buy.'' I insisted upon his buying, when he 
turned very abruptly, and inquired my name. I told 
him I was not asliamed of it; it \yas Mrs. L.; 
whereupon he looked at the other gentleman, and in- 
troduced mo to ':he Jahjz^ so Ae said; which seemed 
to occasion great laughter, mucii to my annoyance. 
Good looking man could not but soe I was annoyed, 
for he is a •' Jad'j'.y I suppose he thouglit, as I was 
onl}^ a book agent, he could have all the fun he de- 
sired, at my expense; so he went on, making his 
eloquent speeches, while I stepped back, and stood in 
perfect amazement. I have sat for hours listening to 
the ablest lawyers, pleading for criminals, but never 
did I hear anything half so grand or eloquent as his lit- 
tle speech was. While he was talking he kept back- 
ing toward the door, until he passed' out. I sighed to 
think I did not learn his name; perhaps we may meet 
again. After showing the book to the remaining four 
gentlemen, and getting one order for " Sumner's Life." 
1 thanked them and left the room, returning to the 
hotel, where I spent the remainder of the evening. 

Xext morning I wrote for a few hours, and started 
once more for the Court House, for I wished to see 
the rest of the County officers. Made my way to 
the Judge's room, where I found five or six gentlemen 
writing. One of them I had frequently met in San 
Francisco during my canvassing. He seemed to recog- 
nize me, and said, abruptly, " What brought you here?" 
I will call him City Gei.t. While 1 was engaged in 
showing my books to the rest of the gentlemen. City 
Gent spoke, and asked me if I knew Tom Collins. '"No," 
said I, " what about him ?" City Gent, " Why, yes, you 
know Tom Collins, of San Francisco." I replied I 



162 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

knew several gentlemen by the name of Collins, but 
did not know Tom. I looked around the room at 
each gentleman's countenance, to learn his meaning ; 
but their faces betrayed nothing. City Gent, " Upon 
my word and honor, he is here in town hunting you." 
In reply to my question, "What does he wish ?" he 
said, " He has a dispatch for you from home." I told 
him I did not believe a word of it. My family knew 
where I was, and would telegraph to me. There was 
n smart young gent, very dark complexioned, and not 
very tall, in the office, who, witli a hateful grin, said. 
" Yes, madam, you go ask the telegraph operator if Tom 
ColHns didn't get a dispatch for you.'* I replied, 
'' Thank you, sir ; don't trouble yourself ; I will attend 
to my own business. I do not wish to jest about it, 
because I might get one that would cause me great 
trouble." 

On my way to Mr. C. A's. room, I must acknowl- 
edge I was somewhat worried ; still I believed they 
were trying to play some kind of a joke on me. 
I found Mr. C. A. in ; he told me to .be seated 
while he examined the books. I asked him if he 
knew of such a person as Tom Collins. He smiled, 
and said, " They have been trying to piny Tom Collins 
on you, have they ?" He then told me the joke. I 
was hurt and annoyed, to think I had to contend with 
all classes ; and could not restrain my tears. But I 
soon dried them, thinking what a fool I was to allow 
myself to take any notice of it. Mr. C. A. signed 
for a book, and tried to cheer me, with many kind 
words. We conversed about the Southern people, and 
their trials ; of the war and its many sorrows. I bade 
him good day, and left the room in better spirits than 
I had entered. 



- AS A BOOK AGENT. 1G3 

On my way to the hotel I called at Mr. Ws. oflice, 
who is a fat, jolly man. Tlierc were several gentle- 
men in: one of them bought Joseph E. Johnson's 
hook. Expressing my thanks, I started again for the 
hotel. As I passed through the dining-room, all eyes 
seemed upon me. I imagined they thought " there 
goes the book agent they tried to play Tom Collins 
on," because nearly all of . the gentlemen were at the 
different tables eating, that were in the office at the 
time. After being seated at the table, there was some 
little jesting about the Tom Collins affair, between 
Mr. B., his wife and myself. Returning to my room, 
I found Mrs. B. in the hall ; she wanted to know the par- 
ticulars about the joke. I related the facts concern- 
ing it, also the circumstances under which I had met 
the city gent heretofore, and his impoliteness towards 
me. She said from what she had heard about him, he 
was no gentleman. I passed into the street, and 
stopped at the large grocery on the corner. After 
urging the proprietor for sotne time to buy, and not 
succeeding, I went into the office, to see the book 
keeper. When I addressed him, he looked very blank 
as though he did not know anything. I told him I 
had the "Life of Sumner," and "Johnson's Narrative 
of the War." He took both order-books in his hands, 
as though he was so weak he could scarcely hold 
them. "Who is Sumner, and who is Johnson?" he 
drawled out; "I never heard of them." Looking up 
at me, he said again, " Are they some great men in 
San Francisco ?" I replied, " Sir, I pity you very 
much, for being so ignorant." He saw I knew he was 
trying to play smart, and said, "Excuse me, madam; 
but I cannot buy either." I next visited many private 
families, but without success. 



1G4 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

In front of the hotel I met Mr. C— of San Jose. 
After shaking hands with him, the proprietor came up. 
He was well acquainted with Mr. C. and slightly 
-with me. Laughing, he said, "Well, Mrs. L., they 
■did'nt play Tom Collins on you." '" Xo," I said, "I 
am too nuicli of a Yankee; am too inquisitive to be 
caught by euch sharpers.'' The proprietor was then 
called away, and Mr. C — asked mo what w\as the 
trouble. I related to him the circumstance of the morn- 
ing. The city gent was sitting near, and heard our 
conversation. He came forward and said, " Madam. I 
do not wish you to be angry with me; indeed, upon 
m}- word and honor, I did not mean to play a joke on 
you." 

" Please stop, sir. and do not tell another f ilsehood." 
He said, "• Why did you tell that lady about me? I'll 
have no chance with them." " Sir, what need you care 
for the ladies? you have a wife already ; at least I judge 
so, from what I have heard." 

" It makes no difference wliether 1 have or have not; 
I always treated you well; have 1 not?" 

" There are tAvo questions I should like to ask you; 
can you give me a truthful answer?"' 

Upon his saying lie could, I said, " You have met me 
a great many times at different places, and under differ- 
ent circumstances. Did ^^ou ever know or hear of any 
harm of me?' "No," he answered, "I have always 
heard you highly spoken of, as being a hard working, 
industrious woman." 

'' Did you ever know me to tell a falsehood ?" 
" No." " Then, I did not tell that lady one either." 
He looked at Mr. C~, winked, and said, "I do not 
know when I ever misused you, unless it was when 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 165 

you had some books or pictures; will you please name 
any one time when I treated you badly?" 

"You have urged it on me; I can tell you very 
plainly, that I have never met you at any place that I 
found you a gentleman; always rough and uncouth. 
The first time was in a lawyer's office in the city, when 
I was canvassing for the upright picture of the Grant 
Family. When I showed it to you, you very abruptly 
told me you would buy it, if it had nil his family 
on it, including his squaw wife and Indian babiei. The 
second time, from your personal appearance, and the 
appearance of yOur office, I saw you were going down; 
although you treated me ungentlemanly, 1 ^^i^ie^ you 
very much ; since that time, I have seen you in the 
street cars, and doubted if you knew where you were." 

At all this he replied, " Let's shake hands, and be 
friends." " I have no objections, but I should think 
an old grey haired man like you would be ashamed to 
trifle with an old grey haired woman like I am." By 
this time there was quite a crowd gathered around us. 
Thinking I was making myself too conspicuous in a 
strange place, I went to my room, tired and disgusted. 
In the morning I called on Mr. F. — •. He gave me an 
order for William H. Seward's " Ti'avels around the 
World." 

On my way back to the hotel I again met Mr. C — 
of San Jose. I asked him if he thought I did wrong in 
talking to the city gent as I did. "No, 1 think you 
did just right," he said; " but knowing you as well as 
I do, I must acknowledge I was somewhat astonished 
at your courage ; but still you kept even with him." 

I next went to the Express office, and had my box 
of books sent to San Jose. I returned to my room to 
wait until time to go to the depot. Bidding adieu to 
14 



166 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE 

one and all, I left Salinas City; but sigh to think I did 
not learn the good looking man's name. As I have 
described this part of the country in another chapter, 
I shall not repeat it, although seeing new beauties in 
every place. At Gilroy we stopped to take lunch. A 
little ways from the station the conductor came around 
to collect the fare; in the far end of the car was a 
very dark Spanish boy, from ten to fourteen years old. 
When the conductor asked him for his ticket, he said 
his mother had it. "Where is your mother?" He 
raised up, and pointed to where I was sitting. " Come 
along, and show me." He coolly walked down the 
aisle, stopped in front of my seat, and without flinch- 
ing, said, " Mother, I want my ticket, or six bits." 

The conductor being well acquainted with me, knew 
he was lying, and pushed him down into a seat opposite, 
saying, "Boy, I know that lady; she isnot your mother;" 
but he still persisted I was, and it was some time before 
he would acknowledge that his mother was not on the 
train. The gentleman sitting behind me said, " wasn't 
that the coolest piece of impudence you ever saw?" It 
was such a good joke on me that it was soon whis- 
pered among the passengers, and caused great laughter 
and merriment all the way to San Jose. 

On my arrival there, I went directly to Mrs. B., 
where I remained twenty-four hours. After delivering 
my books, and collecting what was due me, I went to 
Santa Clara, and remained all night. Next morning 
I took the early train for Redwood City. When I 
went to the hotel I met my old friend, the bachelor, 
looking much better than I expected to see; for I had 
heard he was very sick. After a short and pleasant 
conversation, I started out to deliver my books. Call- 
ing at Mr. C — 's blacksmith shop, he insisted upon my 



AS A BOOK AGENT. 167 

going around to see his wife, as they had moved in his 
new house. I told him I should be very much pleased 
to do so; but did not tliiidc I shoukl have time. Here 
I received several orders for my ovm book. At the 
mill I delivered some books, and got some new orders. 
It was, by this time, twelve o'clock, [remained at the 
hotel until time to take the cars for home. Bidding 
my friends good bye, I left Redwood City, and was 
once more on my way to San Francisco. When the 
train left the former place, it was a bright, sunny after- 
noon; as it neared the city the wind blew cold; and 
at San Miguel the fog was very heavy. At the junction 
of Fourth k Folsom St. R. R. 1 met my husband on 
his way home from the office. When I got home I 
found a nice hot dinner awaiting me. Seated at 
the table, I am thankful that I am home again, and 
find them all well. 



EXPLANATIONS. 

1 hope all who may have read this simple sketch 
will not criticise it too severely, but remember it was 
hastily written ; the authoress a plain, unassuming, hard 
working woman; not aspiring for fame or popularity, 
but wishing to show how rough and impolite many per- 
sons act towards the class of people so called " Book 
Agents," forgetting it is an honorable occupation, if 
properly conducted; and politeness costs nothing. 
No agent, that is a true lady or gentleman, will urge 
their books upon any one; some people think no re- 
spectable person would go around the street peddling 
books ; but they are very much mistaken. 

I know some who have canvassed that were once sur- 



168 SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE. 

rounded by all the luxuries money could buy, but 
when these were swept away, sunshiny friends had 
flown; they felt the cold hand of poverty grasping 
them, and would sell books sooner than be supported 
by charity; through all never forgetting for a moment 
that they were ladies. 

I ask pardon of my readers if they think I have been 
too sarcastic in some of my remarks; many may think 
me malicious, but I have no malice toward anyone, nor 
have I written untruly with regard to anything; and 
many times beside those mentioned have had my feel- 
ings hurt so severely, I wept bitterly. Still there is no 
business but what has its trials; and this one, I sup- 
pose, is no exception. In the six years I have can- 
vassed I can truthfully s ly, taking the ladies and gen- 
tlemen as a majority, they have treated me with great 
respect and patronized me liberally, for which I offer, 
to one and all, my sincere thanks, and hope they may 
prosper in all their undertakings. 

Respectfully yours, 

J. W. L. 



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